Designers in Residence
The Designer-in-Residence (DiR) program offers access to and collaboration with leading design practitioners, researchers, and alumni on a topic or project of mutual interest. A vital aspect of the program is the general exchange of knowledge, skills, and ideas. DiRs are invited to participate in all general Design Lab activities and events. DiRs are asked to contribute to the learning environment through their choice of interactive presentation, project feedback, collaboration on research, and community opportunities, etc.
This flexible, customizable program allows participants to be less focused on logistical constraints and more on meaningful content and outcomes that fit into their growing body of work. Participation in this program is by invitation only.
Projects
Agile Electrification
Agile Electrification is a Design Lab spinoff project by designers-in-residence Andrew Krause, Chantelle Domingue, James Quazi, and Mark Hansen and sponsored by Design Lab faculty member Eric Hekler. The Agile Electrification platform, still under development, is a “playbook” that solar installation contractors can use to help homeowners accurately model their energy use over time in a way that isn’t currently being done. It’s just one example of how design can help solve a problem; in this case, the platform helps homeowners and small businesses find a viable path toward a common goal. For more information, visit AgileElectrification.org.
Democratizing Design is a World Design Capital 2024 impact project that envisions a global model to make design accessible and highlight its value in improving life in the transborder region. Led by UC San Diego Design Lab in partnership with The Design Academy and CETYS University, the project focuses on enabling sustainable, accessible, and affordable creative problem-solving to improve life quality and address regional challenges through humanity-centered design. Democratizing Design’s goal is to collaborate and co-design inclusively and develop a "Design Playbook" prototype for a wide range of people, regardless of background or skill level, and measure its impact. Leadership and key team members: Michele Morris, Diana Robinson Trapaga, Joan Gregor, Michelle Woodhouse.
Design-to-Action Network
UC San Diego Design Lab, as a lead strategic partner for World Design Capital San Diego-Tijuana 2024, was engaged to design, prototype, and launch a series of Design-to-Action Networks in service to the regional community, providing a foundation for the WDC 2024 Legacy Program. Through these networks, leaders from across the San Diego-Tijuana region in research, academia, business, community, and design are working together to support and bring impact projects to life. In 2024 and beyond, Design to Action Networks will guide projects in measuring their impact, sharing their progress with the public and gathering feedback to ensure they are responsive to the broader community every step of the way.
