This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme in this section is: Equity, Labor, and Design. So-called "human-centered design" methods do not often yield equitable models; and in fact, the most celebrated organizations and ideas rely on precarious models of labor and compensation. Students will learn about more recent justice- and equity-based research methods; and use the artisan sector and the gig economy as case studies through which to explore new ideas. Student projects may range from “know your rights” campaigns for workers, to branding redesigns that reveal “the true cost” of supply chains, to reimagining business models that center workers over shareholders.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme in this section is Interruption and the many ways that algorithmically driven media and social pressure play in conditioning participants to make fast decisions that do not encourage deeper thought, analysis, or independent thinking. The research process will begin using contemporary and historical contexts that explore the ways influencers and social pressure impact cultural awareness, judgment, and quality of life decisions. Students will develop their projects at this common starting point and develop paths of inquiry based upon their interests, observations, and findings. All readings and related resources will be provided.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme of this section is Aging, and how to build a more circular and inclusive society. In a world where Diversity & Inclusion has become fashionable, how is aging part of the conversations? The course will examine the different meanings of aging, the evolution of the perceptions across times and cultures, and the future of Aging. Students will explore current dimensions and perspectives on aging. Together, we will work to identify new ways to promote cultural shifts and solutions that move away from exclusion due to decline of productivity and mobility, to innovative futures promoting a new vision of aging with circularity, while learning research, analysis, and generative methods.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The theme for this section is Optimism. In uncertain times, it can feel especially challenging to imagine futures that feel equitable and empowering. In this class, we will imagine the future with an implied sense of optimism. Students will engage with their Parsons community in their exploration of traditional and speculative design methodologies, and research and co-design futures that challenge current probable futures, and tilt perspectives towards more preferable ones.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme in this section is Repair and the ways design strategy can address systems, spaces, products, infrastructures, and experiences that have historically neglected or harmed populations. How do reparative design strategies start with an understanding of community histories and provoke us to learn about peoples’ unique experiences, journeys, and needs in the present? Possible pathways may include repair in service industries, production systems, supply chain networks, public health access, transit and housing systems, educational institutions, policing, food systems, and the design of neighborhoods. Students will be encouraged to pursue projects and pathways of their interest deriving from our class theme.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme of this section is Play. Students will utilize various research methods to explore the meaning and ambiguity of play. Research in this course will examine how play permeates cultures, ages, learning, our routines, and economic systems. Possible pathways for discovery may include the future of play, play across settings (e.g work, home, school, the creative process), and play as part of adulthood and wellbeing. Students will be encouraged to pursue projects and pathways of their interest deriving from our class theme.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme of this section is Inclusivity in Design. Students are encouraged to explore new or existing opportunity spaces through the empathetic lens of any underserved audience of their choosing.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme of this section is Participatory Creativity. Creativity is a communal rather than an individual endeavor, so how can a project (or a business) promote equity and horizontal collaboration across cultural divides through play, knowledge sharing, visioning exercises, and building of friendships and relational networks? The course will take design research and development tools and add a playful twist to them in order to imagine and propose structures and processes that challenge power hierarchies and allow for the intelligence in “the room” to surface. The students will be encouraged to think of and research instances where this approach should absolutely be implemented.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme in this section is: Design-led Entrepreneurship - Students will learn how design research can help entrepreneurs define their value, mission, culture, and translate goals towards more socially and environmentally impactful startups, in turn shifting our economy and culture towards more sustainable, just, and resilient practices. Projects in this section can explore how human-centered design, research, and strategic design overall, improves the product/service to market fit, while exploring new business models like cooperatives and DAO’s to create more transparency and equity. Through the lens of design research and a systems thinking approach, projects will explore entrepreneurialism as a problem solving method that creates opportunities to raise awareness, improve experiences and create meaningful impact all while uncovering business opportunities.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme in this section is The Power of Storytelling. Magic and mystery; conflict and resolution; characters and quests. Together, we will explore how the elements of a story can help frame and guide our design research process. Drawing on both auto-biographical experiences and external observations, students will be encouraged to choose their own adventure and pursue a range of potential pathways. A good story can capture our imagination; a great story can inspire new behaviors and bring ideas to life.

This course builds upon the Research and Development Methods course by offering students the opportunity to experiment with various approaches to the integration of design and research methodologies. In a semester-long project that spans planning, research, implementation and testing, students will experience the unfolding of the design process, with special attention given to the use of iteration and prototyping as a means to generate knowledge and/or innovative solutions. Students gain a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of how to organize and optimize the design process as well as the critical skills to reflect on the design process and its outcomes. The overall theme in this section is Healing and Learning and the ways they integrate with one another. How does the healing process relate to learning and progressive growth? Possible pathways may include healing and learning in public health, identity, personal development, and in communities. Projects in this section may also use these terms as metaphors to be creatively interpreted and researched in other contexts.