Sabotage is the practice of reducing productivity as an act of resistance. As more and more aspects of our lives have become mediated by automated, data-driven systems, and the means of production have become increasingly intertwined with personal devices, what new forms of sabotage are possible? This class will explore digital sabotage as an artistic strategy. Students will build projects, tools, and techniques that employ both technical and non-technical interventions in digital systems. These may include obfuscation, slowdowns, network interference, viruses, glitch, gaslighting, self-sabotage, browser extensions, adversarial machine learning, and more! From a technical perspective, the class will cover JavaScript/Node.js, Python and the command line.

Learn how to build software for embedded systems using AI-assisted coding platforms by developing an expertise managing models, context, and drift while modifying the kernel, drivers, and middleware of open-source Linux-enabled devices. Students will select a small digital device capable of running Linux and use an artificial intelligence Large Language Model platform to co-develop novel custom software to make the device do something transformative beyond its original purpose. By building deep systems integration with free and open source software with an AI co-developer, students will demonstrate best practices for open source contributions while also learning how AI-assisted coding works from within. Students are encouraged to pursue outcomes otherwise impossible without assistance. All course work will be attributed for grading and public recognition as co-authored between student and AI model. Tech policy and AI ethics questions will be interrogated throughout. Single-board computer emulator consoles serve as the case study for how to build a complete software stack from kernel to video driver and middleware GUI. The course covers using basic Linux, GitHub, free cloud nodes, Model Context Protocol, and other crucial AI-assisted development practices. Students will be required to provide their own low-cost Linux-supporting hardware and AI subscriptions as the university Google Gemini account does not support GitHub which is required for the coursework. Otherwise, no prior coding or development experience is required.

Are you a creative individual who wants to turn your passion project into a business? Maybe you want to learn about business strategy, but haven't decided whether you're ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey just yet. This course is a comprehensive overview of the entire process, guiding you from the spark of an idea to market realization, and is for anyone intrigued by approaching design from a business perspective. We'll explore the path from ideation to bringing your creations to the market, while designing with purpose. You will understand the importance of developing a mission and making a positive impact on the world. We will put the strategies and principles learned through the course into practice to develop a cohesive set of brand guidelines and a compelling story. Learn how to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances to thrive in the ever-evolving marketplace, how to analyze competitors and identify opportunities for differentiation and market entry. You will learn how to navigate the complexities of logistics, supply chains, and establish brand guidelines. Explore methods to form strategic partnerships that can enhance your growth and reach. While the class isn't all about pitching to investors or building the next tech giant, we will explore various funding options, from grants and crowdsourcing to investment. We will review the basics of creating pitch decks and proposals that can engage and persuade stakeholders using storytelling and data. Students can work on an idea or project they have already developed or choose an existing product or service that they want to use throughout the term. Open to: All University grad students, and upper level undergrads. Some seats have been reserved for MFA DT students.