On April 23, 2015, graduating design students had the opportunity to visit two well-respected design companies in San Francisco. The first stop was SY Partners, a consulting firm that works with CEOs of other companies to set “vision and strategy.” Students were welcomed with a presentation of a current project at SY Partners by Managing Creative Director Thomas Winkelmann and UC Davis design alumna Liz Sutton. 

Next, students traveled to Pier 28 at the Embarcadero to visit IDEO, a global design company. Food science innovator, and UC Davis alumna, Lauren Shimek welcomed the students to the company. Lauren works in the food & beverage innovation team at IDEO, along with Graphic and Communications designer Molly Rolig and Designer Culinologist Caroline Lynch, who also hosted the group. Students were given a tour of the company, from the open work spaces to the prototyping lab. Next, students participated in a brainstorming activity in teams, which demonstrated how IDEO employees work together to create new ideas and products.

UC Davis students would like to thank the employees at the San Francisco locations of SY Partners and IDEO for inspiring them and for showing them the possibilities of design after graduation. This tour was sponsored by Julie and Randy Merk.