Design research and writing
Non-Studio based classes in design studies focus on the history, theory and criticism of design. As such, it’s interdisciplinary (moving between disciplines), multi-disciplinary (utilizing multiple disciplines in its process and methods) and trans-disciplinary (combining disciplines in creating new disciplinary structures.) It’s also, as Susan Yelavich, the head of the Design Studies program at Parsons describes it, promiscuous—pulling and borrowing methods and ideas from fields outside of design to try to understand design methods, motivations and impacts better. Compared to the humanities and sciences, design has had a very short life span with an even shorter reflective life because of its roots in trade practice and education that followed an apprenticeship model. But, as Sharon Poggenpohl argues in her essay, “Time for Change: Building a Design Discipline” the key to the development of design as a field of study equal to other disciplines is in the critical reflection and evaluation of the artifacts that are created and the process and theories that are driving that creation. In other words, not just practicing design, but also studying design.
Design Writing
For design practice to be effective and challenging, it is important for designers to look not just at the artifacts created, but the environments and theories that are contributing to the creative process. The development of a critical voice must include those engaged in the design process and application for it to have merit, authenticity and rigor. If those voices are not put forth, the current and future of the field is dictated by others. It is a chance for students to consider new theories or perspective on design process and practice to enhance your own work, as well as how designed experiences contribute to our discipline, our communities, and the world.
Design Anthropology
This course combines core ideas and methods from design (usability, user experience and practice-based research and visualization) with those from anthropology (ethnographic research, participant observation, cultural comparison) to guide the deep dive into a wicked problem aimed at addressing some aspect of the problem. The course is broken up into three units
Practicing Fieldwork and Ethnographic Note taking;
Performing analysis through coding, memo-ing and interpretation;
Devising solutions.
A Survey of Design Studies
This sophomore-level course introduces students to a variety of perspectives and lenses through which to examine and evaluated design in the world. Students consider design studies through theory and criticism of design, usability and user experience and social innovation and sustainability. In addition, students are encouraged to find evidence of and define design studies in areas that are uniquely suited to their individual areas of interest.