As the Spring semester drew to a close, the first-year class of our program reached a significant milestone by presenting their thesis declarations. This event attracted not just our dedicated staff but also numerous faculty members, alumni, and second-year students who were eager to engage with the new ideas being proposed.

The presentations were the culmination of months of rigorous work. Each student embarked on a journey of discovery—interviewing individuals, conducting ethnographic research, analyzing audiences and competitors, developing brand strategies, and finally, designing prototypes. The breadth of topics was impressive, spanning from technological innovations to cultural explorations. The diverse array of topics presented, personal stories, and professional insights showcased a vibrant future for the field of design.

With their theses now declared, the students are poised to embark on their summer research with new vigor. This event not only marked an end to their first academic year but also set the stage for the next year. We look forward to seeing how their research will shape their upcoming projects and eventually, the future of design itself.

The reviewing committee engaged actively with the presenters, offering insightful feedback and forward-thinking questions that helped refine and advance the students’ projects. Committee members included: Steven Heller, Lita Talarico, Julie Tinker (’07), Joanna Kuczek (’12), Sukanya Bose (’21), Vidhi Patel (’23), Alexandra Mooney (’23), Deborah Adler (’02), Supatida Sutiratana (’23), Weiyun Chen (’23), Doga Bircan (’24), Nicolette Francis (’24), and Sue Walsh (’06)