Marta Cuciurean-Zapan is a design researcher and Senior Director based in IDEO’s Chicago studio. She is focused on building innovative research approaches, futures perspectives, and the intersection of content, belonging, and culture in teamwork.

Kicking off season one of the EPIC People podcast, Marta reflects on EPIC 2023 in Chicago, focused around the theme of “Friction”, which she co-chaired with Evan Hanover. Marta describes the impact of Tonika Johnson's “Map Twins” project, connects the theme of friction to today’s debates around the value of ethnographic research, and suggest applying research skills to organizational change and company dynamics.

This year’s EPIC conference will be held in Los Angeles from August 18-21. Learn more at 2024.epicpeople.org.