Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 July 2021
Enterprises evolve continuously, usually gradually, but sometimes rapidly in the face of disruptive events. The purpose of this study is to analyze the transformation process of the design consultancy in the face of challenges presented by advanced technology, economic change, and systemic shifts by applying selected methods and tools from the ARIES (Architecting Innovative Enterprise Strategy) framework. The study uses IDEO as an example to discuss the organizational structure of design consultancies, and describes how IDEO has evolved in the context of change. This study illustrates some emerging challenges that the design consulting industry is facing now and will face in the future, and how these challenges will affect organizational culture and structure, the design consulting process, the recruiting criteria, and the designers, as well as envisioning possible paths for the future of design consultancy.