My Business -

Social change is about group consciousness, being aware of human needs, educating in a greater context, volunteerism, and acting together to make a difference both globally and locally. With activism comes awareness and sustainability, with educaton comes hope and empowerment. As an industrial designer, I welcome the opportunity to listen to others, and participate in a new paradigm of discussion. Industrial Design is a great profession to have such discussions, and to bring about change and involvement within local communities. Ultimately, the ideal of social change is to better the world through human development. Here are some of the opportunities I've participated in, to bring such awareness to others:

1. introducing students to the creative process...

IDSA Outreach1 program, Grady High School, Atlanta Georgia. The goal of this [1st annual IDSA Outreach] initiative was to introduce industrial design and the 'creative process' to high school students. In doing so, they would also learn about connecting to their community and social participation. During a period of two weeks, the teams of high school students were joined with Georgia Tech academic grads and design professionals, to 'problem solve' and design interactive ideas that could benefit Atlanta's urban cityscape (chosen design zones included Grady High School, Georgia Tech campus, East Beltline trail, and Midtown). This initial first year of the program had no sponsors, and obtained it's project funding from Georgia Tech faculty and the volunteers involved. The results of the program were showcased during 'Design Week' in October and presented by the student teams to the open public. (Below are drawings and computer renderings of the 'History Station' concept created by team3, along with photos of their creative sessions).

(click to download a pdf of the 'History Station' presentation)

(click to download a pdf of the 'History Station' ideation)

(click on zoom tool

to enlarge any thumbnail below)

Industrial Design Society of America

_______________________________________________________________

4. educating the newest generation...

IDSA Outreach2 program, Grady High School, Atlanta Georgia. The goal of this [2nd annual IDSA Outreach] initiative was to inform high school students about the profession of industrial design. Georgia Tech academic students along with professional designers, teamed up with high school students to share the creative 'process', design a product, create a prototype from recycled materials, and repurpose them to promote a more sustainable community. This year's program was sponsored by Coca-Cola, who supplied construction materials such as PET plastic sheets, wrappers, pull tabs and plastic bottles. Final student concepts and prototypes were presented at Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta, then displayed at the MODA gallery for public exhibit.

(click here to download a pdf of the program overview).

(click here to view a video recap of this event).

(click on zoom tool to enlarge any thumbnail below)

“I give pause to people like yourself, who recognize the value of volunteering...” Trisha Kendall, Educator and Digital Media Instructor at Grady High School.

Industrial Design Society of America

________________________________________________________________

2. bringing awareness to students...

Career Motivation Week, Atlanta Public School Systems, Atlanta Georgia. Each year the Atlanta Public School System hosts a career week, to encourage and inspire k-12 students about future career opportunities. As a design professional, I had become involved in this program by visiting local classrooms, and talking with students about choosing a career in industrial design. To get their interest, I presented 'design for social change' as the platform for such discussions.

(click here to download a pdf of my classroom presentation).

____________________________________________________________

3. 'design for social change' written by rick roeder...

Designers create products and experiences for the human dimension... Embedded in this process of design, is the objective to better our lives, and in doing so, better humanity. When we apply solutions toward social change, we incorporate this objective. The visual vocabulary of design creates a pathway to discussion, one that strengthens social relations. As Industrial designers, we use the newest technologies and resources available to open this doorway to dialogue. ( read more... )

_____________________________________________________________

5. awakening creative minds...

IDSA Outreach3 program, Frederick Douglas High School and Grady High School, Atlanta Georgia. The goal of this [3rd annual IDSA Outreach] initiative was to continue last years student enthusiasm of industrial design, and expand the program to two high schools. Home Depot sponsored this years event, and donated gift cards for supplies to the 15 teams and 90 participants. LED lighting was this years focus, continuing the themes of sustainability and repurposed materials from last year. Additionally, Home Depot showcased the students prototypes at their Store Support Center here in Atlanta, bringing added awareness of the program to their employees, contractors and visitors to their headquarters.

(click here to download a pdf of the program handbook).

(click on zoom tool to enlarge any thumbnail below)