“David is the kind of person you aspire to become. He’s like a brainy Muppet. You want to hug him, stick by him, and support what he stands for. He doesn’t wear a fur stole or sunglasses. He’s like the guy you run into at the 7-11 getting a Slurpee. I like the idea that he’s an anonymous superstar.”

— John Maeda, formerly the associate research director of MIT’s Media Lab and now president of the Rhode Island School of Design

Read more about David Kelley’s own story and what those who have learned from and admire him have to say in Fast Company’s profile of our Summit 2009 keynote speaker.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out David Kelley’s appearance at TED in 2003.