Wipro Digital is set to acquire Cooper, a design and business strategy consultancy, as part of its strategy for expanding its reach in North America and adding capabilities in professional design education.
Cooper will become part of Designit, Wipro Digital’s strategic design arm, strengthening its design and innovation capabilities to become the preeminent firm for world-class UX (User Experience) and interaction design.
IBM said it will acquire Vivant Digital business (Vivant), a digital and innovation agency in Australia. The acquisition extends the strategy and design expertise of IBM iX, one of the world’s largest digital agencies and global business design partners, with Vivant talent and expertise to accelerate clients’ digital transformations.
Anthony Farah, the CEO and founder of Vivant, will also take the role of Digital Strategy & iX Leader for IBM Australia and New Zealand.
Paul Papas, global leader, IBM iX, said: “IBM shares a similar design, consulting and management philosophy with Vivant, and our combined teams will raise the bar for experience-led, design driven, digital reinvention.”
Together IBM iX and Vivant, based in Sydney and Melbourne, will address the need of clients seeking transformation though innovative digital business models and bold customer experiences.
Wipro Digital and Designit serve clients from 16 offices around the world.
“Our capability across design, strategy and technology gives us a unique platform for working side-by-side with clients on the entirety of their digital initiatives,” said Rajan Kohli, global head and Senior Vice President, Wipro Digital.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Cooper is founded by Sue Cooper and Alan Cooper. The consultancy is credited with inventing many tools and approaches used in design, including the Goal-Directed Design method and personas as a practical interaction design tool.
Cooper employs 35 people in offices in San Francisco and New York and provides consulting and training services to brands including Fortune 500 companies, leading non-profits and government agencies.
“Both Designit and Cooper are characterized by unparalleled craftsmanship, real-world practicality, and a humanizing approach to technology. As a combined force, we will continue to shape the future of business,” said Alan Cooper, co-founder of Cooper.
