Readings

It is wise to complete these readings before the lecture in which we apply the knowledge contained within them. See the schedule for weekly details, paying attention to the fact that some readings need to be completed before Monday of that week.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4


Instructions: Read, Relate

Read. We have selected a series of short essays, mostly written by practitioners, to guide your design work this quarter. For each of the weeks with assigned readings in the Schedule, read the article before the next lecture. During lecture or studio, we will discuss the readings as a whole class, or in Zoom breakout rooms as needed.

Relate. Students should read the article before class and then be prepared to meaningfully contribute to a small group discussion. At some point during the lecture, the instructor may connect you with three or four other students in a Zoom breakout room. As a group, each member should present their reflections, discuss their thoughts about how the article affects their design process, raise interesting questions for others, and build on and extend what others have already said. If time does not allow for in-class discussion, you can relate the reading to yours or others' work.

Zoom Discussion Guidelines:

Students will enter into the main Lecture Zoom at the beginning of the class. Depending on how many students we have in class, we may conduct a whole class discussion, or you will be invited into breakout rooms. Discussions will last 10-15 minutes. Instructors might drop in to participate in your discussion.

The following questions can guide the reading discussions. Every student should read the paper before the class and actively engage in the discussion.

  • What are the article’s main ideas and why do they matter?

  • What did you learn or what surprised you about the material?

  • What would you critique about this article (in terms of methodological, logical, technical, and ethical issues)?

  • How will you use the insights in your design work this week?

If time does not allow for in-class discussion, you can relate the reading to yours or others' work. It is a good practice to keep a journal of what ideas you have learned that impact your design process and why. One day you may be asked these questions in an interview, or perhaps you end up writing your own design practice article. At that point these reflections will come in handy.