In Color and Comp, we learned the basics of color theory and composition. The projects in this class involved creating a wide range of dynamic 2D and 3D compositions to deepen our understanding of design.

In Typography, we learned why and how certain typefaces work for a range of applications and got to try our hand at applying them across many different projects!

In Design Methods, we worked in groups to design our final deliverables based on intensive, quarter-long real-world research.

During Design Methods, Ben Shown and his team from Blink UX came and gave a workshop... on giving workshops!

The first ID studio class consisted of three short projects—a flatpack cardboard lamp, condiment container set, and vacuum-formed dustpan, each focusing on different design and material processes.

In this class, we learned (and practiced, a lot) advanced ID drawing techniques and 3D modeling fundamentals.

As our first IxD course, Visual Storytelling introduced us to the role of narrative in design. We translated everyday interactions into storyboards, videos, and video prototypes to communicate design concepts and envision future experiences.

In Marks and Symbols, we worked in groups to create a typeface based on a type artifact, and alone to create a symbol set based on a prompt from Karen Cheng.

In the first ID Junior Studio, we learned and applied the full design process to two projects: an analog hand tool, and a household product to be entered into the International Housewares Association’s student design competition. Grace and Mia’s project, below, won an honorable mention!

In this class, we learned about connected systems and smart devices through a quarter-long project, touching on principles and topics like calm technology and interface design.

The annual Spring Portfolio Review, run by UW’s IDSA chapter, invites ~20 professionals to review student portfolios one-on-one, providing valuable feedback for us to refine our work.

In the third Junior Studio class, we learned about softgoods/wearable design and human factors. Most of the quarter was spent in teams designing backpacks for specific activities or professions.

At the annual Junior Show, students from UW and WWU’s ID programs come together to exhibit work from our junior year.

In Physical Computing, we learned the fundamentals of electronics and programming by building Arduino prototypes that sense their surroundings and intervene in playfully disruptive ways.

In Information Visualization, we experimented with creative ways to visualize data, turning research into evidence-based visual storytelling.  Our digital projects transformed personal topics such as fear, commuting routines, and social behaviors into interactive visual experiences.

In Interface Design II, we investigated how interfaces can extend beyond graphical user interfaces. Through rapid prototyping, we explored gestural, tangible, and voice interactions before designing a multimodal AI experience.

As part of a student-led elective, a group of IXD students came together to learn 3D modeling in Blender, progressing from basic modeling techniques to fully rendered and animated scenes.

In Design Graduate Studio, we learned about systems thinking in the context of design. Structured as an open forum class, we explored readings, topics, and ultimately designed projects that allowed us to understand design consequences and map these systems.

In Advanced Typography, we made an event poster and interviewed a professional designer of our choice to make broadsheets detailing what we learned.

In Interface 1, we worked in groups to learn the basics of interface design (and Figma) and make apps that “catalogued a collection”. Our apps ranged from a digital junk journal to a companion to the Burke Museum on campus!

In Interface 2, we worked in groups to create app systems based on topics of our choice. Across the quarter, we conducted workshops, interviews, and user testing to develop responsible, beautiful, and user-informed products.

In Visual Systems, we put together everything we learned over Junior year to make a brand system for a music festival of our creation!

In our first sponsored Senior Studio, Precor Inc’s industrial design team asked us to design a future wellness product for commercial gyms, and met with us throughout the quarter.

In Design Research, we explored how rigorous research can uncover the needs, desires, and experiences of the people we design for. By continuously asking why, we dug beneath surface-level observations to identify opportunities for both practical and speculative design interventions.

In Publication Design, our final class, we compiled and design books based on topics of our choice. Putting together all our skills, our books were about everything from childhood anxiety to traditional Mexican textiles.

Every year, the Design program hosts a presentation night called based on the Pecha Kucha presentation format, where students share details from their summer design ventures.

RE/MADE by UW Design is an annual project led by Professor Karen Cheng that designs and sells a collection of bags made of reclaimed textiles—which were airbags this year!

In Senior Studio II, sponsored by Tactile, we were asked to design coffee or tea brewing machines for a variety of different contexts.

To end our IxD path, we entered the Metaverse and investigated the possibilities of transparent interfaces and spatial computing. By building mixed reality experiences in Unity, we explored how perception, context, and physical space can shape future interactions.

In our Information Design class, we worked to hone our storytelling and data visualization skills by explaining an award of our choice. Awards featured included everything from the annual “Annie” awards to professional cat competitions!

The last push we’ve made in design school has been to create the identity for the design show and set up our show! The Identity Team did an incredible job creating the brand, and we are so proud of this show. Enjoy!