About Carissa Carter

Design Thinking and Democratization

Carissa Carter champions design thinking as a universal human capacity, not limited to professionals. "If you care about what you put out there into the world you are a designer. Everyone has the capacity to create positive change" [1]. She critiques rigid notions of 'THE design process,' urging designers to "stop talking about THE design process" and instead focus on intentional building, deliberate communication, and designing the design work itself [11]. In the wake of the 2016 election, she applied design thinking to process collective grief and action [2].

Maps and Data Visualization

As a former geo-scientist and map maker, Carter explores maps' 'secret language' for understanding and creating in a post-truth era [3][6]. Her book The Secret Language of Maps demystifies cartography's power [3][6]. She teaches courses on data-design intersections for climate change, emerging tech, machine learning, and blockchain, earning design awards [1]. Playful pieces like "You love algorithms!" [7] and "Proto funny business" [8] highlight her innovative approaches to data and prototyping.

Technology and Emerging Systems

Carter's work bridges design with tech: designing with machine learning, blockchain [1], and algorithms [7]. She emphasizes systems thinking, praising sensory explorations to identify non-human stakeholders [4]. Her podcast discusses assembling tomorrow through human-centered tech [1].

Creativity, Play, and Inspiration

Humor and whimsy permeate her writing: post-its protecting 'privates' [9], muffins for muses [10], and lighthearted confessions like "Haha — yes. Same." [5]. These reflect a playful muse in design education, fostering creativity amid serious topics.

Education and Future-Making

As Stanford d.school Academic Director, Carter shapes design education [1][2][3][11]. Her second book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future (co-authored with a creative director), guides systemic change [1]. She promotes design for thriving futures in education, climate, and tech [1].