TRAINING & COACHING
Process and idea development are touch stones in the courses I teach. Projects and students determine the methods needed to successfully arrive at an effective solution. Group visualization is often an extremely effective method to launch project work. Other methods I have employed include collage boards, decision mapping, journey mapping, persona development, prototyping, and phased observational data testing among others. Guided business analysis is often required. A few of the projects I have lead include non-profit start-up and development, a digital debate platform, a documentary about artists working at home, a service database, and app developments for language education, basic design education, and smart-watch integration for asthmatics.
PRogram direction and course development
Over the past 15 years, I have developed three graduate design programs to produce multi-faceted graduates who are able to analyze and solve design problems. The programs, a Master of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in Integrated Design and a post-baccalaureate certification, have consistently included methodologies for ideation, research, testing and prototyping. Those methods have evolved as the service design industry has grown. I have fostered agility within the programs to be able to respond to market demands such as the growth in service design. I have developed many courses including Design Thinking, Information Design, Creative Methodologies and many in digital development.
Research and consulting
My research for the past several years has focused on usability, particularly for low-literacy and senior populations. The work has centered on election processes and court interactions. We have worked with the state of Maryland to make voting more accessible and simplify processes for elections. A project with the District Court of Maryland simplified the process to apply for and also grant rent escrow petitions.