PhD student, College of Design, ASU
Why did I select the MSD Program?
I was originally drawn to the MSD program at ASU for its unique ability to offer research-driven graduate studies in Industrial Design within the context of a Research I university that values inter-disciplinary collaboration. I was particularly intrigued by Methodology, Theory, Criticism—an area of study that allowed me to explore deeply the 'thinking' part of 'design thinking'. The College of Design also nurtures a collaborative culture that encourages students to cross disciplinary boundaries in pursuit of relevant research agendas.
What was the most significant learning experience in the MSD Program?
During my time as an MSD student I deepened my own understanding of what it means to learn. The courses, the faculty, and the projects that I encountered provided me a rich context within which to reflect upon how I design my learning processes and how those experiences inform my efforts to design learning experiences for others. Through conference presentations and publications I also had the opportunity to broaden the context of my learning about design research and how it fits within and contributes to a broader cultural narrative.
How did earning the MSD assist me in my present position?
My education as a design researcher and the opportunities I had to participate in multiple research projects inspired and prepared me to co-found a design research and consulting firm in Phoenix with two other MSD graduates. I have been fortunate to share those experiences with students of the MSD program in a teaching capacity and through my PhD research that utilizes reflective methods to explore cognitive practices of design educators. Thanks to skills sharpened during my service as an MSD student and fueled by the passion and talent of current MSD students, this year I was part of a team that initiated and organized a design research symposium which generated enthusiastic discourse about the state of design research today.
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