Doris has over twenty years of practice as a user experience designer in Silicon Valley, plus nearly 20 more as the founder and Director of the Design Learning Network (DLN). The purpose of DLN is to empower young learners of all ages, as well as educators and practitioners; to become confident and creative problem-solvers, act as purposeful makers, take ownership of their learning, and make mindful choices. Wells-Papanek holds a bachelor’s of product and environmental design from the Kansas City Art Institute, and a master’s in curriculum and instruction with a focus on action research from National Louis University.

DIG Interim Chair-Elect 2020  |  Cindy Todd

It is with great excitement that I join this team of accomplished design educators as we cultivate our passion for design, share the impact it has on learning, and pass the joy of innovation onto the next generation.

DIG Past-Chair 2017-2019  |  Rande Blank

As I reflect on the last two years as DIG Chair, I feel humbled to have been embraced by the DIG community and the opportunities I have been afforded. 
I have had the privilege to participate with DIG members while facilitating several Design Thinking Summer Studios, delivering the DIG Webinar, co-creating the DIG Grant Awards, introducing free student membership, leading DIG meetings and round table discussions, and co-planning pre-conference workshops. Our design thinking and learning community is made up of generous, thoughtful, and empathetic design-minded individuals who I am proud to say are my friends, colleagues, and peers. I am leaving you in good hands with Chair, Doris Wells-Papanek, and Interium Chair-Elect, Cindy Todd. I, along with past chairs, look forward to supporting our new Chairs and Chair-Elects for many years to come.