Assistant Professor of Design Studies Erin Hamilton and Design Studies PhD candidate Hande Burcu Deniz are quoted about universal design, which involves designing built environments to make them accessible and useful for the maximum number of people. This includes designing functional work spaces for neurodivergent people in a way that doesn’t draw attention to disability.
Design Studies
Designing a better future for the planet: MAU film comes to UW–Madison
Legendary designers Bruce Mau and Bisi Williams of Massive Change Network return to campus for documentary screening and Q&A Written by Nicole Etter It started as sparks flew around a campfire one evening last autumn. …
Human Ecology welcomes new faculty and instructional staff in 2023
We are excited to welcome eight new faculty and three new instructional staff to campus this fall. Each department will add at least two faculty or instructional staff members, bringing a wealth of expertise and …
Researcher Spotlights: Kevin Ponto on using new technologies to solve problems and collaborating across disciplines
Researcher Spotlights are Q&As that shine a light on School of Human Ecology faculty members’ unique scholarship and research interests. Kevin Ponto is an Audrey Rothermel Bascom Professor and an associate professor of Design Studies. His …
Design Studies Professor Majid Sarmadi to retire after nearly 40 years
Professor Majid Sarmadi, who has served on the School of Human Ecology’s Design Studies faculty since 1986, will retire July 1 and become an emeritus professor. A scientist and self-taught artist, Sarmadi received an engineering …
Design Studies PhD student awarded Smithsonian fellowship to study history of clothing made for disabled people
Natalie Wright, a PhD student in Design Studies, was recently awarded a Smithsonian fellowship for study of clothing made for people with disabilities in the post-war U.S. Wright’s research focuses on the history of disability …
Why Your Grandparents Might Move to Your College Campus (The Daily Beast; Shin)
Design Studies Department Chair and Professor Jung-hye Shin explains how intergenerational living, a recent trend on some college campuses, is actually not all that new. Shin also discusses the elements intergenerational housing should ideally have to accommodate all of its residents, as well as the potential outcomes of this type of housing.
How to Shop More Sustainably with Majid Sarmadi (Badger Vibes; Sarmadi)
Professor Majid Sarmadi, a textile chemist, offers tips for being more sustainability minded when shopping for clothes and other goods.
With pocket-sized Hello! Loom, weave got it made (The Cap Times; Fairbanks)
Hello! Loom, a company co-founded by Associate Professor Marianne Fairbanks, creates pocket-sized looms that she hopes will encourage people to slow down and keep their hands busy with something other than a smartphone.
Four graduate students receive teaching and mentoring scholarship awards
Each year, the School of Human Ecology recognizes graduate students with scholarship awards in outstanding teaching and mentoring. The Graduate Student Teaching Excellence Award recognizes graduate students who work to be excellent and equitable educators. …