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Interaction Design Foundation

Engaged employer

Avoid - it is not healthy - Manager Interaction Design Foundation Employee Review

1.0
6 Oct 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some nice people, sadly many are trapped.

Cons

Many recent posts have given real insight into a culture of management by dictatorship and bullying. They have old systems, poor technology combined with an overbearing sense of being watched. We are all forced to communicate on slack so that the CEO’s can stalk everyone without having to build a proper culture. It’s sad for all of us who are trapped. As many have mentioned it is not a ‘not for profit’ (they are misleading subscribers and employees to enrich themselves). They look for introverted people in order to pay little and ensure obedience. Their contracts ensure that no one is a real employee and can be let go easily (in some markets these could be seen as disregarding local employment regulations). Unscrupulous practices delivered with arrogance and a real weirdness. Burning shirts outside their mansion to demonstrate how uncorporate they are, to supposedly being attacked by crows and suffering concussion. Beware and avoid.

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Interaction Design Foundation Response
2y
Dear C. You’ve now posted 5 consecutive 1-star reviews in intervals of a few days. You’ve called management “sociopathic” and written statements such as “DON'T. BE. TRASH”. In the spirit of openness and factuality, we do want to gently note something about your case: we spent many, many months investing in attempting to get your performance to an acceptable level. A normal Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) takes a maximum of a month in most companies before they exit a person if the person cannot reach an acceptable level of performance. In your case, we went above and beyond our normal protocol for underperformers and spent roughly 4 months. We did it to keep you a part of our team, and it was with heavy hearts that we eventually needed to face facts, and part ways. In other words, two Team Leads as well as the co-CEO invested their time and company budgets for 4 months to try to get you to reach an acceptable level of performance. We believe we went above and beyond. With that said, we ask that you be respectful and professional in your communication. A factual and objective approach is best in these situations. Instead of using bitter or vague language, one could provide specific and concrete examples of what went wrong and how we could do better. This way, we can have a more productive and meaningful conversation. We understand that emotions can run high when you are dissatisfied. We understand that when a job does not work out, it can hurt. We wish you the very best.

Explore other reviews about Interaction Design Foundation

5.0
19 Apr 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The Interaction Design Foundation has a fantastic culture that is among the best I've seen at the companies I’ve worked for. Everyone really cares about their colleagues and especially the students who have entrusted their education to us. I feel privileged to educate the designers of tomorrow. I work with students from all over the world, and that helps me reinforce my belief that design is truly a cross-cultural and universal matter.

Cons

Language can present a challenge when working with students who aren’t proficient in English.

9
1.0
30 Sept 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

None. This is not a good place to work.

Cons

CEO thinks he’s a software engineer, but he jack squat about actual engineering. This is a terrible place to work and management has completely misaligned priorities.

4
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