To inspire and equip our members with design and innovation principles and mindsets that they will use meaningfully throughout their lives and careers.
The Design + Innovation Club was founded by students in 2011. Since then, it has grown each year and is consistently one of the largest student groups at Yale SOM.
Through curriculum and programming — including workshops, experiential learning, and career-related activities — the club gives SOM students from every track a shared language for approaching ambiguous problems.
Club alumni have gone on to roles at firms including IDEO, frog, Google, Apple, Amazon, Innosight, and SYPartners — reflecting the club's cross-sector reach across design, technology, and strategy.
The Design + Innovation Club at the Yale School of Management brings together a diverse community of students who share a passion for creative problem-solving. Our members come from every track and background, including engineers, artists, consultants, entrepreneurs, and educators. What unites us is a belief that design thinking offers a powerful framework for tackling complex business challenges across sectors. Through our programming, we strive to create a sense of belonging where ideators and makers can learn from one another. The club empowers students to develop skills that are universally applicable, whether their future paths lead to corporate life, public service, or entrepreneurship.
Our curriculum and workshops are designed to equip members with actionable tools for innovation. We focus on constructive, iterative processes that help generate ideas and turn them into tangible solutions. Topics range from ideation strategies and facilitation methods to rapid prototyping and experimentation. These sessions are led by experienced practitioners, alumni, and fellow students who bring real-world perspectives into every discussion. By learning to approach ambiguous problems with confidence, our members gain an advantage in any industry or function. The goal is to teach frameworks that remain useful long after graduation, fostering a lifelong mindset of creative inquiry.
Beyond formal learning, the club places strong emphasis on community and collaboration. We regularly host social events, networking sessions, and informal gatherings that allow members to connect across cohorts. These interactions expose students to diverse viewpoints and build lasting relationships that extend well beyond the classroom. Our close ties with the career office and a robust alumni network provide valuable exposure to internship opportunities and career paths in design, innovation, and related fields. Whether through a casual coffee chat or a structured mentorship program, members find support and encouragement at every stage of their journey.
The Design + Innovation Club has grown consistently since its founding by students over a decade ago, becoming one of the largest and most active student groups at Yale SOM. Our history reflects a sustained commitment to making design thinking accessible to all. We believe that everyone has the capacity to be a designer and an innovator, regardless of their prior experience. By fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and constructive feedback, we help members develop the confidence to lead change in their organizations and communities. The club continues to evolve, adapting its offerings to meet the needs of each new generation of students.
Club leadership has included the following members:
See how this mission translates into weekly programming and how alumni connections support career exploration.