ITP

This class will apply a product and service design lens to the rapidly evolving role of technology in politics, government services, and human rights, with a dual focus on the use of technology to advance the public good, and the threats that technology can pose to various aspects of civil society. On the one hand, […]

This course is designed to help students define and execute their final thesis project in a setting that is both collegial and critical. It is structured as a series of critique and presentation sessions in which various aspects of individual projects are discussed: the project concept, the elaboration, the presentation, the process and time-table, the […]

In even the tiniest fragment of digital sound (especially music) there lies a multiplicity of information hidden within. Using audio analysis techniques, this data can be distilled into a vast array of characteristics that describe various different features of the sound. These include things like the loudness, pitch, or the spectrum of frequencies being detected. […]

Anita Perr This multidisciplinary course allows students from a variety of backgrounds to work together to learn about and develop assistive technology. Partnering with outside organizations, students will work in teams to identify a clinical need relevant to a certain clinical site or client population, and learn the process of developing an idea and following […]

Is it a plaything? Sculpture? Nostalgia? A Product? Art toys exist at the center of a unique Venn diagram. Each student in this class will develop an original limited-edition art toy. We will cover toy fabrication, character design, material selection, packaging design, and art toy culture.

Sarah Krasley Navigating the world of mass production can be challenging. Prototyping and making one of something for class is pretty straightforward, but what happens when other people want one? How much will it cost to make five of what I made once? How about 50? How about 5000? Where will it be manufactured and […]

While the automation of religion may sound like science fiction, the foundation of this course is examples of physical religious robots already built and spanning most major religions. Their existence raises complex questions about spiritual assistive devices, religious jobs as work, technology as “miracles,” idolatry, transhumanism, sacrilegious robots vs secular robots, the role of rites for robots, and whether a robot can be a member of a religion.

All computing is physical. We work with computational systems by taking action with our bodies, on devices. The construction of computing devices, and their use, consumes raw materials and energy as well. In short, the virtual always has physical consequences. This course is about how to design digital devices for our bodies\’ capabilities.  To realize […]

Andrew Lazarow For centuries, great works of music, theater, and dance, have combined art andscience to make integrated performances that move audiences. Today, we are seeingexciting changes as artists experiment with video and real-time interactivity to drawaudiences even deeper into the performance, and enhance the shared experience ofthe moment. This class explores conceptual approaches to […]

In the 1960’s and 70’s, club culture was a social phenomenon that introduced new forms of technologies, experiences and designs. In this course, students will study a variety of different cultures (from social, to visual to sound) from pre-1600s to present day. These learnings will realize historical patterns and psychologies displayed throughout the decades. These […]

Kevin Siwoff This is an advanced seminar exploring the themes, production methodologies, anddynamic definition of sculpture in the 21st century. Much of the class will look with acritical eye through the lens of technology – What is technology’s role in themotivation, production, and proliferation of sculpture?Students in this course will: Gain understanding of major topics/themes […]

Have you noticed that touchless devices and systems have become more prevalent these days? For example, automatic toilets, faucets, hand sanitizer dispensers, thermometers, and even paper towel dispensers have sensors that allow them to detect when they are needed. Have you seen interfaces where people can type with different body postures?

This class will focus on the skills and frameworks for putting the user at the center of the design process and ensuring the products and experiences we create meet user needs and expectations. The course will cover the full design process including strategies for conducting design research, methods for creating journey and experience maps, wire-framing, […]

This course surveys assistive technologies for people with low vision and blindness, from historical, contemporary, and forward-thinking perspectives. Guest lectures from leaders in the field and people with lived experience will help students learn about low-vision and blindness accessibility across several domains (web, wayfinding, literacy, socialization, etc.). In the second half of the class, students […]