Friday, January 10, 2014

Teaching Approach


“’Forget’ the methods, get the atmosphere right.”
John Chris Jones


·      Foster the development of the attitudes and approaches that underpin a successful designer’s work

·      Focus on getting students to regard themselves as enterprising “trainee designers,” not dependent students

·      Help students develop a “designerly” way of thinking, working, and presenting all of their work – interim to final

·      Emphasize the development of comprehensive, non-formulaic thinking, precision, and craft

·      Rely up extensive research -- including literature survey, observation, interviewing, and prototyping – as the basis for design and evaluation

·      Use writing as a “thinking tool” throughout the design process

·      Wherever possible develop physical models that embody the essence of the interaction with an object, experience, or service

·      Hold students accountable for their design decisions and the broader implications of their work

·      Require students individually to develop a comprehensive set of skills, but also to work in collaborative and participatory settings

·      Incorporate technology, as appropriate, in the design process, but do not make it the generative force

·      Encourage students to develop an “Edward Tufte-like” minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes the role of meaning and perception