UW Design 2013

Making is Learning

When it comes to making, the present-day Industrial Design student has a choice: they can have parts made by sending computer files to a machine, or they can bring a drawing into a shop space, and create their designs using their hands . . . and other senses.

When all of the senses are engaged, Industrial Design students are free from guessing. They can understand the ramifications of their ideas in a clear tactile way. The shop space encourages thinking on the fly. Students begin to rely on experiences which are exclusive to hands-on model making and prototyping. The result is an industry-centric approach to solution finding skills and perspectives that serve to bridge the gap between academics and vocation.