The recipient of the 2011 Design Mind Award is Steven Heller. Steven is the author and editor of more than 130 books on graphic design, satiric art, and popular culture. He was an art director for 33 years at the New York Times, where he continues to contribute as a columnist for the Book Review. A dedicated educator, Steve has co-founded six graduate programs at the School of Visual Arts including the MFA Designer as Author program, which he also co-chairs.

The Design Mind Award recognizes individuals who have changed design thinking or practice through their writing, research, and scholarship.