A rectangular sign with the words "the composition collective" written in black, with "composition" underlined, on a white background with rounded corners.

We’re a product, design and live storytelling studio.

What we do

We partner with mission-driven organizations to design and build positive products with tangible impact. Learn more.

  • We help mission-driven teams turn early ideas into impactful products. Through a short discovery phase and focused design sprint, we deliver a working prototype and actionable roadmap within weeks.

  • We help early-stage startups and experimental journalism organizations launch new products, services and initiatives. Our recommendations are grounded in experience launching products at The Washington Post, The New York Times, McClatchy, Huge and more.

  • We design live experiences with a product mindset. Our events combine journalism, art and music to reach new audiences and inspire action.

Clients

We work with startups, nonprofits and other mission-driven organizations tackling hard problems in journalism, climate, arts and more. See our work.

0→1 product sprints

Have an idea? Let’s make it real. Our sprints are designed for:

  • Quickly explore a new idea with your team — without a heavy investment in an unproven concept.

  • Test a new idea before committing to a big build. Walk away with something tangible and investor-friendly

  • You got the grant. Now you have to execute. We’ll help align your team and jumpstart the work.

Book a sprint
Black and white close-up portrait of a woman smiling, with long wavy hair, wearing a sleeveless dark top and a bracelet.
Two women standing side by side against a plain background, dressed in dark clothing, one with curly hair and the other with straight hair, smiling at the camera.

Need help with ?

We match our clients with Collective experts to fill gaps and provide hands-on design, technology and content support. Collectivists don't just coach — they execute.

A woman with tattoos on her arm, wearing a sleeveless top, is pinning notes or sketches on a wall covered with similar papers, possibly working on a project or planning.

Recent work

Thoughts from The Collective