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. The overall theme in this section is Social Media, Social Impact, Social Good and the ways they integrate with one another. The class will focus on identifying a specific complex contemporary social or cultural issue, situation or opportunity. The projects will deliver ways and means for contributing to the improved health, well-being, healing or education to an identified audience. Projects will explore opportunities and strategies, communication, and design processes that aim to raise awareness or interventions for social good surrounding any of these complex issues.

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 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 theme of this section is to be announced soon.

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 The Politics of Helping. As designers increasingly turn their efforts to altering conditions for the oppressed, stubborn questions arise around the ethics of engagement. In this section we will critically explore the issues, inequities, ineffectualness, and injury related to and resulting from practices generally described as community engagement, social impact, philanthropy, and helping. Projects in this section will consider how designers might develop practices that foster solidarity and actively dismantle oppressive structures and systems.

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 of this section is Design for the Circular Economy. The course will examine the history of practices, current examples, and emerging ideas that move away from the “take-make-waste” linear model of design and business. Students will explore sustainable futures promoting creative and economic growth while avoiding the consumption of finite resources. How might this model shape creativity and culture? Students will learn methods for researching, discovering, and exploring opportunities for the creation of new values, products or services that are regenerative by design.

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 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.

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 Data and AI. How inclusive is data research and the integration of AI technology? Who will be included in the evolution of the metaverse? Which groups and companies can benefit from a digital transformation? Apply Design Research and Development tools to unveil deficiencies and opportunities for human and DEI centric digital and AI applications.

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.