This year’s MFA Design Thesis Review was an important milestone after many months of dedicated research, design, and exploration. Students presented ventures that bridged bold ideas with real-world applications, addressing personal, social, cultural, and environmental challenges. Each project reflected the designers’ passion and insight, revealing responses to the complexities of modern life. The audience—industry experts, faculty, and fellow students—contributed questions and feedback to support each project’s relevance and ambition.

As they move toward the final Venture Forum in April, these young designers will refine their projects further, preparing to launch them as fully realized ventures. This Thesis Review marked an critical step in their journey, setting the stage for design that is not only innovative but essential.

Thesis Review Panel: Coleen Baik, Randy Hunt, Zipeng Zhu, Johnson Tang, Griffin Creech, Timothy Goodman, Hunn Wai, Araba Simpson ‘05, Taylor Hunt, Lyanne Dubon, Tim Cohan ‘14, Nelee Sim