This course provides the student with an opportunity to develop a personal design philosophy. Students will develop a deeper understanding of research methodologies and innovative approaches to materiality. This course helps students increase the diversity and depth of their design processes and problem-solving methods. In the fourth course in a four‐course core sequence, students will begin to theorize and contextualize their own work, in readiness for senior capstone experience/final major project. Design Studio 4 works collaboratively with Specialized Studio 2.