Hi. We're Common Notice
Common Notice is a research-driven design consultancy dedicated to creating inclusive, human-centered solutions that foster equity, accessibility, and meaningful engagement. Rooted in Design Thinking, participatory research, and social innovation, Common Notice collaborates with communities, organizations, and institutions to identify gaps, map assets, surface insights, and co-create strategies that drive lasting impact.
What we bring
Amelea brings deep expertise in program design, community engagement, and human-centered research. With a background spanning nonprofit leadership, social impact strategy, and design research, she leads projects that blend disciplined research with creativity, empathy, and co-creation to shape meaningful places and highly engaging programs.
Todd adds innovative leadership in marketing, creative strategy, and public engagement. With nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, and event production, Todd has led large-scale campaigns, audience engagement strategies, and brand storytelling at organizations like ArtPrize. His ability to craft compelling narratives, design impactful experiences, and bridge creative vision with strategic execution makes him an invaluable partner in bringing inclusive and human-centered solutions to life.
Together, Common Notice integrates research, strategy, and creative problem-solving to develop inclusive, accessible, and community-driven solutions that transform experiences, programs, and public spaces for the better.
Our shared expertise
Social Innovation & Impact Design – Creating programs and solutions that drive meaningful, systemic change.
Human-Centered Design & Research – Leveraging user insights to inform strategy, product development, and experience design.
Strategic Planning & Execution – Designing and implementing frameworks that align vision with action.
Design Research & Experimentation – Conducting qualitative and quantitative research to test, refine, and optimize experiences.
Impact Measurement & Assessment – Evaluating effectiveness and scalability to drive continuous improvement.
Coaching, Mentorship & Team Development – Empowering individuals and teams to grow, collaborate, and succeed.
Facilitation & Collaborative Leadership – Leading dynamic workshops, discussions, and decision-making processes.
Marketing, Public Relations & Communications – Crafting compelling messaging, stakeholder engagement, and brand storytelling to enhance visibility and impact.
Storytelling & Narrative Design – Translating complex ideas, research, and data into engaging, human-centered stories that inspire action and drive change.
Industries we work in
Design & UX Research – Human-centered design, user experience research, and participatory design to drive innovation.
Nonprofit & Social Impact – Designing programs, scaling volunteer initiatives, and leading community engagement efforts.
Corporate Strategy & Operations – Leading organizational design, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration in large enterprises.
Arts, Culture & Public Engagement – Program development, artist hosting, and community-driven initiatives like ArtPrize.
Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy – Crafting compelling narratives, stakeholder engagement, and public relations.
Education & Learning Design – Designing workshops, Communities of Practice, and knowledge-sharing frameworks for professional development.
Some partners we have worked with
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"Common Notice founders Todd Herring and Amelea Gritter are dynamic leaders with the ability to draw diverse audiences and stakeholders into productive and collaborative dialogue. Their facilitation of strategic planning using Inclusive Design and Human Centered Design has been transformational for our community. Bringing city leaders, planners, designers, architects, developers together to empathize with - and plan for - the most excluded in our community was no easy task. In truly collaborative problem solving, Common Notice has also begun the work of aligning state and local governments and municipalities around the best practices and strategies their work has helped establish here in Grand Rapids."
― Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, City of Grand Rapids, Michigan