MASD Course Work

Systems Thinking Fall 2022

This project looked at the product develop process of rug manufacturing with a systems thinking lens mapping out sub and parallel systems.  The below rich drawing maps out the life cycle of a rug. 

Sustainability Fundamentals Spring 2023

This course covered the foundational components of sustainability.  This project looked into rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) compared to virgin to understand the environmental impacts such as microplastics. 

Collaborative Product Design Fall 2023 

Working with a group of peers to solve a sustainability challenge for a Minnesota company, in this case how to effectively communicate to their customer base why they should chose the compostable garden planter rather than the standard competition made of plastic. 

Climate Change for Social Justice Spring 2024

This course focused on looking at climate change through the lens of social justice and community impact around the world.  This project looks at democratizing access to the circular  economy by mass retailers becoming collection sites for consumers end-of-life products. 

Visual Communications Fall 2022

This course looked at the importance of telling a compelling visual story in order to effectively communicate sustainability topics.  This project focused on the impacts of synthetic textiles on the environment. 

Biomimetic Design Spring 2023

Looking to nature for inspiration in how to tackle complex sustainability problems with the theme waste = food, one processes waste becomes feedstock for another process. This project focused on taking inspiration from plants and organisms to create a smart home gardening system. 

Practice of Sustainability Fall 2023

This course focused on applying the strategies and frameworks learned throughout the program to a sustainability challenge.  This project looks at addressing textile waste and increasing consumption through a clothing subscription program. 

Making the Business Case for Sustainability
                       Fall 2024

This course focused on applying the strategies and frameworks learned throughout the program and framing it up as a compelling business case.  The final project centered around creating a robust business plan for a retail consulting company that focuses on transitioning retailers from a linear to a circular business model.