Kelli Anderson, is a Brooklyn-based artist, designer, and paper engineer renowned for her innovative approach to blending art, science, and technology. She spoke to the Class of 2026 about how her work often challenges perceptions of technology and design, and transforms everyday materials into functional, interactive experiences that reveal the hidden parts of the physical world. Notable projects Anderson shared include “This Book is a Camera,” a pop-up book that unfolds into a working pinhole camera.

Anderson’s dedication to exploring the interplay between physical materials and digital technology has established her as a leading figure in contemporary design.

I was impressed by her joyful colors, approachable type, the willingness to work so hard to make it look so easy (simplicity and foolproofing are often the result of the most meticulous process), and her complete and total lack of condescension despite holding universes of knowledge comes through in the media she creates. — Margaret Sun (Class of 2026)

The role of such tangible design in our digital age is significant because it offers a break from the screen and a return to more personal, embodied interactions. While digital experiences are efficient and convenient, they often lack the sensory engagement and emotional resonance that physical objects provide. Anderson’s work reminds us of the importance of multisensory experiences in design—how touch, movement, and materiality can enhance learning and make abstract concepts more accessible. —Leilani Liu (Class of 2026)