Pros
IDEO holds such a strong reputation as a firm that's written the language and framework of modern company culture that it continues to draw amazing talent. The mid and lower level staff here are amazing; full of energy, enthusiasm and hope.
Cons
After about six months here you see the trends emerge that many have mentioned in previous reviews. The hardest part is when you realize there is no desire within leadership to change anything that doesn't directly affect the lives or salaries of the partners. -cInconsistencies between what is promised and what is offered -cCliquey, high-school level politics -cExtreme nepotism - No growth track particularly for anyone not in traditional design roles. - Elitism of designers vs. everyone else despite the company's love of saying "everyone is a designer." - Complete lack of leadership engagement with mid and low level staff. - CEO acts more as figurehead for the brand myth of the company, while almost never engaging directly with studios and staff. - Unusually high attrition rates. - Huge spending on things like partner meetings while other staff are kept at baseline salaries