IdeaBase

What IdeaBase does

IdeaBase is a student-run creative agency operated as a service of Kent State University's College of Communication and Information, located on-campus in Franklin Hall in Kent, Ohio. Originally launched as The Tannery and rebranded to IdeaBase in 2013, the agency offers four integrated service lines: user research (usability testing, web and mobile eye tracking, user interviews, competitive analysis), visual design (branding, brochures, advertising), web development (responsive design, CMS implementation on WordPress and Craft CMS, SEO), and photography/videography (video production, motion graphics, 360-degree video). Its proprietary tooling includes professional-grade eye tracking equipment for usability studies, which is unusual at the agency level and anchors the agency's research-led positioning.

The business model is professional services delivered on a project basis, structured primarily as an experiential learning vehicle rather than a profit-maximizing enterprise. IdeaBase's workforce is composed of rotating Kent State students drawn from nine majors (Visual Communication Design, Journalism, PR, Computer Science, User Experience Design, and others), overseen by faculty and a single Director (Kristin Dowling). Over 200 students have passed through the program across a decade. Clients split between Kent State University internal departments (Athletics, Library, Dining Services, etc.) and external regional organizations including Summa Health, Schneller, AMETEK, NEOMED, Smithers, the State Library of Ohio, and various SMBs. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; customer acquisition relies on direct outreach through the Director and word-of-mouth within the Kent State community, supported by a portfolio website and active social channels.

As a wholly university-owned unit with no external funding, no M&A activity, and a fixed headcount band, IdeaBase operates as a stable, mission-driven creative services program rather than a venture-scalable business. Its competitive position is structurally tied to its institutional embedding within Kent State, and its value proposition is the combination of professional-grade deliverables with student-driven talent development under a documented Discover-Design-Refine methodology.

Name

IdeaBase

Legal name

IdeaBase

Website

https://ideabasekent.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IdeaBase is a student-run creative agency at Kent State University that provides user research, design, web development, and video production services to external organizations and university departments, employing rotating students from nine majors under a single Director.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Kent

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Project-Based Services: IdeaBase operates as a student-powered creative agency that provides design, research, web development, photography and videography services to external partners and Kent State University departments. The agency connects organizations with talented students through project-based work. Revenue model is based on project fees for services rendered, though the primary purpose is educational rather than profit-driven.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IdeaBase is a student-run creative agency at Kent State University that delivers professional design, web development, user research, and photography/videography services to external organizations and internal university departments. The agency follows a three-phase Discover, Design, and Refine methodology, pairing student teams with faculty mentorship and professional-grade equipment (including web and mobile eye tracking) to produce research-backed creative deliverables.

Product overview

IdeaBase is a student-run creative agency at Kent State University that connects external partners with talented students through project-based courses and professional experiences. The agency offers four integrated service areas: User Research Services (usability testing, eye tracking, user interviews, competitive analysis), Design Services (branding, print materials, advertising), Web Development Services (responsive web design, CMS implementation, SEO), and Photography/Videography Services (video production, animation, 360-degree video). The Discover-Design-Refine methodology unifies all services, providing clients with comprehensive research-backed creative solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• User Research Services Student-led research services including usability testing, web and mobile eye tracking, user interviews, competitive analysis, surveys, focus groups, and heuristic evaluations that inform design decisions for external partners and university departments.
• Design Services Visual design services including brochure and viewbook design, branding and logo design, business cards, digital and print advertising, and promotional items for external clients and Kent State University departments.
• Web Development Services Responsive web design and development services including content strategy, SEO, CMS setup, mockups, wireframing, user interface design, and email/digital marketing using WordPress and Craft CMS platforms.
• Photography and Videography Services Professional photography and videography services including video marketing, video editing, animation and motion graphics, 360-degree video production, and video advertising for clients and university partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• Website launched in May 2015 with significantly improved navigation and user satisfaction
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kent State University - College of Communication and InformationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdeaBase is a service of the College of Communication and Information at Kent State University. The college provides institutional support, facilities in Franklin Hall, and student pipeline from majors including Visual Communication Design, Journalism, User Experience Design, and Computer Information Systems. This is the founding and primary institutional partnership.
• Glyphix (Kent State Student Design Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlyphix is Kent State's student-run design organization that collaborates with IdeaBase on various projects. The two organizations have worked together on client projects including Reading Buzz (branding, videos, website) and Ice Consulting (brand identity and logo).
• AMETEKminorOthersAMETEK is listed as a nationally-known client partner that has worked with IdeaBase on projects. AMETEK is a global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.
• Summa HealthminorOthersSumma Health is a healthcare system listed as a nationally-known client partner. IdeaBase produced a Summa Diversity Report project showcasing brand-compliant creative work with in-person client collaboration.
• NEOMED (Northeast Ohio Medical University)minorOthersNEOMED is listed as a nationally-known client partner that has worked with IdeaBase on website research projects.
• SchnellerminorOthersSchneller is listed as a nationally-known client partner. They are a manufacturer of custom specialty laminates and coated fabrics for transportation interiors. IdeaBase has produced multiple projects for Schneller including product demonstration videos and environmental design.
• SmithersminorOthersSmithers is listed as a nationally-known client partner that has worked with IdeaBase on various projects.
• State Library of OhiominorOthersState Library of Ohio is a government client partner. IdeaBase completed a major website redesign project for them in May 2015, featuring new interface, improved navigation, and enhanced search functionality.
• Kent State AthleticsminorOthersKent State Intercollegiate Athletics is listed as a client partner. Multiple ongoing projects including annual reports (2014-2017), promotional items, viewbooks, and the Flashes Forever Guide for graduates.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• IDEO: IDEO is a global design and innovation consultancy offering user research, design, and digital services. Comparable on the UX research and design services that IdeaBase offers with its eye tracking capability.
• Marcus Thomas LLC: Marcus Thomas is a full-service advertising and marketing agency headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. It competes for the same enterprise marketing budgets as IdeaBase in the Northeast Ohio market.
• Pentagram: Pentagram is one of the largest independently owned design firms, with partners specializing in branding, graphic design, and digital experiences. Comparable on the branding and identity design services IdeaBase delivers to enterprise clients.
• thunder::tech: thunder::tech is a Cleveland-based integrated digital agency offering web development, design, and marketing services to enterprise clients in the Midwest. A regional incumbent competing for the same Ohio client base IdeaBase serves.
• Big Spaceship: Big Spaceship is a Brooklyn-based digital agency offering strategy, design, and technology services. Comparable as a digital creative agency serving enterprise clients, though at significantly larger scale than IdeaBase.

Direct peers

• University of Cincinnati DAAP: DAAP (College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning) at the University of Cincinnati operates a similar co-op model where students deliver professional design work for external clients. It is the closest geographic and structural peer to IdeaBase among Ohio universities.
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): SCAD runs student-powered creative studios and pro-bono agencies through its schools of communication arts and design, providing professional design services as part of its curriculum. Comparable as a university-embedded creative services operation.
• BYU AdLab: Brigham Young University's student-run advertising agency, AdLab, operates as a professional agency serving real clients with student teams. It is one of the most established student-run ad agencies in the US and a structural analog to IdeaBase.
• Ball State University Digital Corps: Digital Corps at Ball State University is a student-run digital media agency delivering web development, design, and digital strategy for external clients. Closely mirrors IdeaBase's student-powered model and service mix.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGdhGdAa1zTXJm1zr8adMAA
• Facebookfacebook.com/IdeaBaseKent
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/4984661?trk=tyah&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Acompany%2CclickedEntityId%3A4984661%2Cidx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1453997802632%2Ctas%3Aideabase%20
• Instagraminstagram.com/ideabase
• Xx.com/ideabasekent

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IdeaBase