It’s the start of a new chapter for the School of Human Ecology’s Center for Design and Material Culture as it introduces a new name and celebrates the expanded learning opportunities made possible by a …
Design Studies
Faculty members receive promotions and named appointments
Human ecologists who recently received promotions and named appointments will return to campus this fall with added distinction. Marianne Fairbanks has been promoted to professor, and Megan Doherty Bea and Kasey Keeler have been promoted …
Safer homes by design: App in development by UW researchers will make ‘aging in place’ more accessible
How could augmented reality help older adults remain safely in their homes? A project led by Design Studies faculty Jung-hye Shin and Kevin Ponto explores this question. Their innovative tool will not only streamline a …
Q&A with iconic designer Bruce Mau, the inaugural Phillip A. Levy Fellow in Life-centered Design
Globally renowned designer Bruce Mau will teach a highly anticipated new course about life-centered design at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2026, as the inaugural Phillip A. Levy Fellow in Life-centered Design. Life-centered design is …
Designing a better future for all: Iconic designer Bruce Mau introduces life-centered design to UW–Madison students
The visionary creative who helped redesign Mecca, rebrand Guatemala, and create the global sustainability campaign for The Coca-Cola Company, is coming to the University of Wisconsin–Madison for a yearlong teaching pursuit. Students will soon have …
Shouldering a burden together: Meet Anvay Das
Anvay Das x’26 knows the environments people live, work and play in can make them happy. As an Interior Architecture student, he wants to create spaces that support health, learning and comfort. In the following …
Researcher Spotlights: Jennifer Angus on the power of pattern, empowering artisans across the globe and interpreting science through art
Researcher Spotlights are Q&As that shine a light on School of Human Ecology faculty members’ unique scholarship and research interests. Jennifer Angus is a professor of Design Studies and the Kay Vaughan Faculty Fellow of …
Human Ecology students ask: What can we learn from toys?
Human ecologists look at things from multiple perspectives. Sixty students practiced this approach by examining…toys! They visited the Child Development Lab and noticed what they could learn about toddlers’ developmental milestones and needs by observing …
Building on the Wisconsin Idea: Human Ecology teams up with UniverCity Alliance to strengthen communities
School of Human Ecology students and Civil Society & Community Studies Associate Professor Ben Fisher (far right), shown here at Milton City Hall, worked with Milton Youth Coalition Project Manager Megge Casique (fourth from right) …
Human Ecology welcomes new faculty and instructional staff
The School of Human Ecology is excited to welcome four new faculty and three new instructional staff members to campus this fall. These scholars and lecturers bring interdisciplinary expertise in areas like sustainable design, social …