Gwen Sullivan

Gwen Sparks Sullivan is a Partner at sparks+sullivan, a design consultancy based in Portland, Oregon.13 With over 15 years of experience in human-centered design and strategy, she specializes in creating inclusive and accessible experiences.2

Professional Background

Gwen has an extensive career in design and strategy:

• IDEO: She co-built the Boston office's environments practice, working with clients like Novartis and the National Park Service.1
• Nike: At Nike, she integrated consumer insight research methods and brand strategy, developing innovative experience programs such as Nike+ Run Club.1
• Joyn: Gwen founded this startup, which focused on building community through movement and joy.13

Role at sparks+sullivan

As a co-founder of sparks+sullivan in 2019, Gwen:

• Builds strategies grounded in user insights
• Develops innovative designs that connect with genuine human needs
• Leads human-centered design and strategy projects
• Has received recognition for design excellence and innovation from organizations like IDSA, AIGA, and SEGD1

Expertise and Approach

Gwen's approach to design and strategy is characterized by:

• Human-centered research and design thinking
• Integration of research, strategy, and design
• Focus on creating meaningful connections between people, places, and products
• Emphasis on collaborative, holistic, and iterative processes1

Recognition

Her work has been acknowledged in the industry:

• Registered as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
• Recognized as an Emerging Small Business (ESB) in the State of Oregon1

Gwen Sparks Sullivan continues to lead projects at sparks+sullivan, leveraging her extensive experience to create impactful design solutions and strategies for a diverse range of clients.