ID Experience
The only thing you need to be able to draw is from experience.
Few of the professionals who come to the Institute of Design are artists. But they’re all creative enough to see the benefit of using design as a way to approach and adapt, with the speed, scale, and complexity of today’s world.
At ID, one of our most deeply-held values is diversity—of culture, thought, and experience. We develop strong relationships through collaborative work and shared experiences.

Our Home

Rooted in Chicago
ID’s partnerships with Chicago institutions position our students for success across sectors. Through internships, sponsored research, workshops, and other opportunities, students gain practical experience as early as their first semester with a variety of partnering businesses and nonprofits. Plus, our robust career services help you plan for life after ID.
Lab & Makerspaces


A Destination for Collaboration
ID students benefit from accessing everything and everyone in one place—classes, workspace, and faculty. Our home includes studio space with a dedicated desk for all MDes students, flexible classrooms that transform for the needs of critique, teamwork, lecture, or presentation, a faculty hall, conference rooms, and a community kitchen.
A range of independent and collaborative workspaces honor ID faculty, alumni, friends, and industry partners. Furniture throughout was generously provided by Steelcase, and the Steelcase Commons regularly hosts presentations by leading designers and industry partners from across Chicago and around the world.

Support & Access

A Community You Can Count On
With an average class size of 16 students, faculty offices near student and studio workspaces, and the support of an individual faculty advisor, we make every effort to support your unique goals from your first day at ID.
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