Prof. Annette Diefenthaler

Designer and professor Annette Diefenthaler is driven by the question, what can design accomplish to improve our society. As professor of design and transdisciplinarity, she aims to integrate a responsible, human (and humanity) centered approach to design at the Technical University Munich. Prior to her appointment at the university, her work at design firm IDEO brought joy and practical solutions to complex questions in healthcare, finance, and education. She believes in the importance of creating space for imagination especially in systems that are full of scarcity and rigidity. At IDEO.org, she focused on creating change in child welfare through community-led, equity-driven approaches. She is co-author of multiple publications, and recipient of design awards. Annette grew up in Germany and has lived and worked in many cultural contexts, including Russia, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and the United States.