David O'Donnell

David O'Donnell is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Institute of Design. With over 25 years of experience in innovation consulting and design thinking, he has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies across automotive, financial services, consumer goods, and food industries. As an Associate Partner at gravitytank, he pioneered a social innovation team focused on education, healthcare, workforce development, and violence prevention, notably working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on K-12 education and immunization initiatives.

• Masters in Urban Planning and Public Policy
• Deputy Commissioner for the City of Chicago (environmental policy)
• Co-founder of Records for Life competition winner
• Member of Sonder Collective (international design cooperative)
• Founder of Post Normal Strategy Consulting (energy transition, public health)

His research interests emphasize empathic research methodologies, human-centered design strategies, and systemic innovation for social impact. Awards highlight his work in social innovation, particularly through the Records for Life competition. David applies design thinking to public sector challenges, including energy transition and public health projects for non-profits and government agencies.