DEV 520: Design Studio 2
Navneet Magon Anand and Design Studio Students
The Design Studios are headed by Navneet Magon Anand, adjunct facility in the SSPS and Architectural Engineering Departments, whose work focuses on designing for innovation, impact and culture change. Her design studios foster a profound sense of awareness—of self, the world, and the potential impact students can achieve through their work. These seminar style studios encourage students to explore case studies, nurture their creativity, and develop a design approach that will shape their future projects and professional paths.
In Design Studio 2, students engage in a human-centered exploration of innovation and design. They develop individual thesis projects rooted in their unique perspectives while engaging with the work of thought leaders and peers. This studio integrates guest lectures, cutting-edge business and design models, and diverse viewpoints to foster a holistic understanding of innovation. The final projects are enriched by continuous peer feedback and real-world insights, culminating in designs that reflect creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful impact.
Examples of Student Projects
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Studying approaches to forced displacement. A compilation of learned lessons
Jezabel Aponte
This project focused on learning the existing approach to forced displacement at WPI, Worcester – as immediate environments – and to a broader level. It was centered around understanding technology’s role in assisting forcibly displaced people, particularly by looking at experiences of appropriate technology deployment, failures, and shortcomings. That analysis enabled identifying limitations and gaps in the current response to forced displacement. Furthermore, the project highlights better practices for informed technology development through collaboration between humanitarian actors and the tech industry. Ultimately based on the learned approaches, I developed a strategy to address forced displacement through research and technology-based solutions.
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Enhancing Venture Capital Investment In Africa: A Framework To Guide VC Investment In Africa
Sylvester Krampah
Empirical studies from advanced economies have demonstrated a positive correlation between venture capital (VC) investment and increased innovation. VC not only injects capital into startups but also furnishes them with guidance, networks, expert knowledge, and mentorship, crucial for navigating the path to success. This comprehensive support system underscores the pivotal role of VC in fostering innovation and maximizing the potential of startups. Despite these benefits, startups are risky ventures, with about 90% failing globally— Africa having less but alarming rate. The inherent risks associated with startups, coupled with the significant upfront capital required, often deter traditional investors.
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Designing for Inclusivity
Margot Schassler
The designing for inclusivity catalog is a collection of universal design strategies that promote the value of inclusivity. This booklet covers a number of categories relating to accessible design, including stairs/elevation, transportation, and city mobility. Outlined within these categories are specific strategies that can be implemented in order to increase the inclusivity of a building or structure.
Inclusive design is exciting. This catalog shines a light on an important aspect of architecture that deserves to be celebrated.
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Learning Without Barriers – STEM Education for SSA
Samuel Omokhafe Yusuf
I was inspired to work on this project because I wanted to contribute my quota to bridging the STEM gap in Nigeria. For this STEM gap to be effectively bridged, children need to be motivated early and guided as they progress in their education. I read an online report by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria, in January 2023 that noted that 75 percent of Nigerian children between 7 and 14 years old could not read a simple sentence or solve a basic mathematics problem despite the government’s effort in getting children into school. Most of these children are poor, live in rural communities, and are girls. Seeing this statistic made me realize I had to do something about it as soon as possible.
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Sustainable Roofing Material
Enis Agyeman Boateng
This project aimed to develop a sustainable alternative to traditional metal roofing sheets, utilizing waste materials such as PET and coconut fibers. The project focused on transforming waste materials into durable, affordable, and environmentally-friendly roofing sheets. In Ghana, traditional metal roofing sheets are expensive and often inaccessible to low-income households. Furthermore, the roofing industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation due to the high carbon emissions and significant waste generated.
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Sustainable Roofing Material
Enis Agyeman Boateng
This project aimed to develop a sustainable alternative to traditional metal roofing sheets, utilizing waste materials such as PET and coconut fibers. The project focused on transforming waste materials into durable, affordable, and environmentally-friendly roofing sheets. In Ghana, traditional metal roofing sheets are expensive and often inaccessible to low-income households. Furthermore, the roofing industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation due to the high carbon emissions and significant waste generated.