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Project Chrysalis: IDEO COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Project Type
Internal Communications
Collaborators
Core Project Chrysalis team: Chris Draz, Christina Abele, Kim Powers, Bonnie Garland, Lorraine Clark, and Sally Sosa (Workplace Experience), Duane Bray, Laura Patterson, Chris Flesch, Julia Syrek-Jablonowska, and Michelle Lanza (Talent/HR), Matthew Gilman-Smith, Zach Clemente, Danny Baldanado, Jim Forsythe (Technology), Angela Barnes (Legal), Travis Lee (North America Leadership), Adimika Arthur (Communicable Disease Expert), with Zach Hobbs, Jarod Ryhal, and Tynan Collins (Communication Design)
Location
IDEO Global
Date
March 2020 - March 2023
When I joined IDEO, I never expected to be creating COVID-19 policies. But there I was, in March 2020, working with senior leadership and various global teams to develop rules and protocols to keep everyone safe as the pandemic spread.
One of IDEO's values is “Be Optimistic,” which was challenging, especially at the start of the pandemic, but I did my best. As the head writer, I named our project “Chrysalis,” symbolizing the transformation we were all undergoing while stuck at home. I playfully adapted our values for the COVID era—turning “Be Optimistic” into “Be Cautiously Optimistic” and “Talk Less, Do More” into “Touch Less, Wash More,” etc.—sayings we turned into stickers, pins, and in-studio signage.
Project Chrysalis was one of the first global, cross-functional projects IDEO had ever undertaken. It was essential that our Workplace Experience, Talent, Technology, and Legal teams worked closely with senior leadership to protect IDEOers and ensure business continuity. Together, we shared best safety practices across our US and EU offices, streamlining efforts and easing the burden on front-line teams.
While enforcing changes like wearing masks and maintaining six feet of distance wasn’t always fun, I'm proud of the imagination, heart—and occasional levity—we brought to an otherwise anxious time. Most of all, I'm grateful the pandemic retreated, allowing us to finally emerge from our cocoons.
