IDEO Method Cards app for iPhone and iPad

4.0 ( 8500 ratings )

Productivity Education
Developer: IDEO

Free

Current version: 1.0.1, last update: 7 years ago
First release : 16 Feb 2010
App size: 15.58 Mb

IDEO Method Cards were first released in 2003 as a printed deck intended as inspiration for practicing and aspiring designers, as well as those seeking a creative spark in their work. With more than ten thousand decks in distribution, an IDEA Silver award and continued coverage in the press, we are very proud of the tool’s success in the marketplace. However, as a design tool meant to help people explore new approaches and develop their own, we realized it was time to evolve its form. We wanted to experiment with a mobile platform and make it more readily available to an ecosystem of users who can take this tool to a new level. Thus, the Method Card iPhone app.

After talking to avid Method Card users, we uncovered interesting insights when translating the cards from the physical world to the virtual world. We found that users have their favorites embedded within the 51 cards, as “go-to” sets for use in the field. In addition, with the coupling of the Voice Memos app, you can now record your observations in the field while sliding through the cards. Navigation of the cards is similar to the experience of browsing through photos in the Photos app.

The Method Card app is released as a free download with 8 cards for you to experience on your iPhone or iTouch. You can purchase the full deck of 51 cards for $4.99 within the application, eliminating the step of having to leave the app to upgrade your experience.

Inspired by playing cards, the 51 cards are classified as four suits—Ask, Watch, Learn, Try—that define the types of activities involved in using each method. Each approach is illustrated by a real-life example of how the method was applied to a specific project.

• Learn: Analyze the information you’ve collected to identify patterns and insights.
• Look: Observe people to discover what they do rather than what they say they do.
• Ask: Enlist people’s participation to elicit information relevant to your project
• Try: Create simulations to help empathize with people and to evaluate proposed designs.

Use the Method Card app to take a new view, to inspire creativity, to communicate with your team, or to turn a corner in your thinking.

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Pros and cons of IDEO Method Cards app for iPhone and iPad

IDEO Method Cards app good for

Great for air travelers seeking inspiration before a client meeting or on-site visit.

Great app. Fluid. Stable. Takes a $49.99 physical product and delivers it for under $5 bucks and puts it in a form you can carry anywhere. Anyone bagging on IDEO for having an in app upgade is freaking insane.

A fantastic design tool to always have on hand, and a deal at $4.99 verses $49.00 for the printed cards. Thanks IDEO for creating a digital version.

I just bought the physical cards and was thinking it would be great if they made an app, and they did! Great job iDEO!

Ive been wanting the IDEO Methods Cards for some time, but havent been able to justify the $50 for the set as a graduate student. So grateful to be able to purchase this resource for only $4.99.

Some bad moments

... How to get motivated to update their app. Once every 6 years would be nice. It "works" but they should be ashamed to actually charge for something they clearly dont put ANY work into...

Just a few photos? I thought it would be a real design toolkit...

I agree with WLVA. I would love to have the full tool and purchase all the cards, but the pixelated, non-retina images are incredibly ugly and annoying. C’mon, IDEO, this app is intended for designers. Step it up. This is my only blocker for buying.

I agree with other reviewers. Its hard to see or read anything in order to decide if I want to purchase the upgrade.

If you were offered a chess set and you accepted it, wouldnt you be frustrated when you discovered there were only pawns in the box? Well, thats what this is. Its not a game with the first 3 levels included. Its like getting a book that only includes the first chapter. And only after downloading is the user made aware of the bait-and-switch. IDEO, I thought you were better than this. Create an HONEST app description and rely on trickery to gain our attention.

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