At any given time, there are 15 to 20 IDEO teams in the field doing research for projects. We are a naturally curious bunch, and tend to collect quite a few artifacts from our trips. In addition to interesting foods, new turns of phrase, and the occasional non-contagious skin disease, we take photos of interesting things in the places we are.

When we see something remarkable, we capture it to show our fellow IDEOers at home in the studio. Now we are sharing some of our blink-worthy images with you. Enjoy!

Snapshots on the map.

Deutsche Scuba

Berlin, Germany

Deutsche Scuba

August 3, 2009 04:09 PM
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In the Berlin International Airport, a sign hangs in the customs area warning travelers that diving torches are permitted on one’s person, but not in one’s luggage. This poses the obvious question: How many scuba divers travel to Berlin?

Metal Landscapes

Shanghai, China

Metal Landscapes

July 27, 2009 10:51 AM
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The Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai is showing a cityscape constructed of various scrap metal and recycled parts. It is a commentary on the process of the rapidly evolving Chinese urban landscape. Many famous buildings from Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and other parts of the country are featured in this sculpture by Chen Yun.

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Hot Turkey & Corn

Istanbul, Turkey

Hot Turkey & Corn

July 13, 2009 12:22 PM
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In the 90+ degree heat of Istanbul, what savory snacks will you find vendors selling on every street corner? Steaming hot grilled corn-on-the-cob…

Show and Tell

London, England

Show and Tell

June 30, 2009 02:50 AM
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This clever pub sign communicates the activities for the week, from poker night to Curry Wednesdays, using clear and simple text and imagery.

Dragon Boat

Shanghai, China

Dragon Boat

June 23, 2009 04:48 AM
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In Shanghai, there is a holiday to celebrate dragon boat racing. In advance of the festivities, the streets are adorned with colorful decorations.

The Cafe Community

Dalston, London, England

The Cafe Community

June 15, 2009 10:11 AM
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At this east London coffee shop, owners have discovered a brilliant customer loyalty scheme. Patrons get their name on the shop wall with a code for the number of coffees they’ve ordered, making regulars feel like an important part of a special community. 

Toy Trucks?

Cambridge, MA

Toy Trucks?

June 8, 2009 02:47 AM
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This photo, taken from the IDEO Boston office window, is an experiment with Photoshop “tilt shift” images. The effect? This real-life scene looks like a picture from the packaging of a children’s toy building kit.

Table Is The New Tray

Seoul, Korea

Table Is The New Tray

June 4, 2009 05:02 AM
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A client team took a few IDEO designers out to a local restaurant where they dined on barbecued eel under the trees. At this traditional eatery, waiters deliver an entire table to diners’ platform, with the dishes prearranged on them. 

Six Floors of Barbie

Shanghai, China

Six Floors of Barbie

May 19, 2009 03:27 PM
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The new flagship Barbie store in Shanghai features futuristic architecture and a stunning six floors of Barbie!

Tranformers, by Prada

Heyri, Korea

Tranformers, by Prada

May 13, 2009 05:58 AM
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The Prada Transformer is the latest design by Rem Koolhaas. The portable steel form can be rotated to serve various uses. A cross shape can be the ground plane for a catwalk show. Flip to the circular side down and you have a gallery. Square side down and you have a film theater. This massive structure can be flipped onto any side in just a few hours.