IDEO is a design firm that uses an approach called "design thinking" to help organizations innovate. Design thinking is a human-centered process that involves empathizing with people to understand their needs on multiple levels. It uses techniques like prototyping ideas early and telling stories to spread concepts. IDEO has used this approach to help clients like the American Red Cross, Kaiser Permanente, and Palo Alto Medical Foundation improve experiences for donors, nurses, and patients.