Dan Gillette
An innovator of inclusive co-design, Dan Gillette works to place the power of research and design in the hands of communities and teams, changing the dynamics of how innovation projects are generated, governed, administered, measured, scaled, and sustained. As a designer, researcher, educator, artist, entrepreneur, and coach, Dan facilitates positive change in organizations and systems of all sizes and complexity, with a special focus on tailoring methods to best serve historically marginalized individuals and communities.
Dan works with clients to:
- Build levers for positive change
- Research and consider context, culture, needs, interests, systems, resources, and possible futures to develop growth and innovation pathways
- Ideate, develop, and validate solutions
- Form effective, inclusive, and competent teams
- Navigate partnerships with individuals, communities, corporations, nonprofits, universities, and governments
- Create, launch, and sustain impactful experiences and products
Background and Experience
Navigating a unique career path, Dan has managed to cultivate an eclectic mix of experience and skill as a designer, educator, researcher, leader, and coach. During the COVID 19 pandemic, Dan started the UC Berkeley School of Public Health Change Lab, an interdisciplinary innovation center focused on community-defined issues. Previously at Cal, he was a research scientist at the Center for Information Technology in the Interest of Society (CITRIS), where he led R&D projects, co-directed the Tech for Social Good Initiative, and was the design lead for the CITRIS Foundry Incubator. Additionally, Dan has held research and teaching positions at Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon University. In 2020, he assisted in the formation of the TAMI Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, an incubator of non-profits where he acts as a coach and program advisor. In 2009 Dan co-founded InWorld Solutions, which provided virtual reality tools for the behavioral healthcare market. Previously, he was Chair of the Innovative Technology for Autism Initiative, an international product development consortium of individuals with autism, designers, engineers, researchers, educators, and allies.
As a designer, Dan has guided the creation of virtual worlds for mental healthcare, a communication device for children with autism, smart spaces, precision medicine apps, accessible voting interfaces, remote healthcare systems, innovation curricula for all levels of the education system, educational software, museum exhibits, new R&D methodologies, experimental protocols, social networks, fellowship programs, and startup incubators.
As a researcher, Dan has led projects related to design, cognition, perception, techno-social systems, disability studies, education, and environmental sensing. Additionally, he has served on state, national, and international committees and workgroups focused on topics including healthcare without walls, computer accessibility standards, artificial intelligence, developmental disabilities, education, policy, and job readiness.
As a coach, Dan has mentored over 100 teams, companies, CBOs, and foundations regarding strategy, alternative pathways to market, social impact, inclusive operations, and effective design practices.
Dan holds a B.A. in human development from the Lesley College Graduate School and an Ed.M. in cognition, psychology, and instructional design from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.