Divya Srinivasan & Chia-Jung (Charon) Kuo
MDes2024

Exploring the bioaesthetics and affordances of algae-based bioplastics

Introduction

While bioplastics are often promoted as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials, they are frequently framed as direct substitutes expected to mimic the behavior and performance of plastics.

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Vidit Bhargava
MDes 2024

Ambient Computing for Focused Learning

Introduction

In today’s attention economy, students are bombarded by digital distractions that erode focus and undermine learning. Smartphones, once lauded as tools of empowerment,

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Liam Hatakenaka, Reina Li, and Stephanie Wang
MDes 2024

Democratizing Athletic Training Through Real-Time Haptic Feedback

Introduction

Traditional sports training systems often fail to provide timely and precise feedback, particularly outside elite settings.

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Wanlun Ding & Jiayi Liu
MDes 2024

Reimagine Emotional Support in Cancer Care

Introduction

In cancer care, emotional communication often falls short. Patients feel isolated, while caregivers struggle to interpret unspoken needs.

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Kirk Mendoza & Abigail Chen
MDes 2024

Empowering Eco-Civil Disobedience in Urban Spaces

Introduction

As cities heat up due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, traditional greening efforts often unintentionally fuel gentrification,

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Adorey Shen, Yanru Qian, Ching-Wen (Carina) Lee
MDes 2024

Reimagining Sensory Perception in the Age of AI

Introduction

What does it mean to see, hear, and speak in an age mediated by artificial intelligence?

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Roshan Mohan
MDes 2024

A Vision for Producing Sustainable Hardware

Introduction

Traditionally, sustainability has been relegated to an afterthought in manufacturing. The consumer hardware industry has prioritized cost efficiency through global supply chains,

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Jade Hyeryeong Kim
MDes 2024

Future CAPTCHA: From fighting fraud to defining humanness

Introduction

In an era where artificial intelligence increasingly blurs the line between human and machine, this research explores the fundamental essence of what it means to be human.

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Katherine Liu & Ming-Chen (Charlene) Lu
MDes 2024

A Sustainable Art Exploration Toolkit for Families

Introduction

Despite museums’ efforts to welcome families through innovative programming, many still struggle to create sustainable engagement beyond isolated visits.

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