designmatters

Welcome to Designmatters at ArtCenter College of Design
Where art & design education meets social change.
More About Us
Fellowship Program
The Designmatters Fellowship Program embeds top ArtCenter students in host organizations for one full 14-week academic term to work on high-level projects and explore the mission, model and meaning of the host organization’s work.
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Leap Dialogues: Career Pathways in Design For Social Innovation
First of its kind book that explores the new career pathways in social innovation for designers. (50 Books | 50 Covers 2015 Winner)
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Designmatters Project Archive
List of all Designmatters Case Studies in Chronological order.
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Fresh Eyes Cuba: A Deep Immersion and Cultural Exchange in Havana
ArtCenter students are challenged to re-discover how we think, how we design and how we see the world with fresh eyes through a deep immersion and cultural exchange in Havana, Cuba.
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Aquarium of the Pacific: Ocean Impact Studio
In partnership with the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, the Ocean Impact Studio challenged Illustration students from ArtCenter College of Design to tell visually engaging stories about the benefits of marine aquaculture as “Seafood for the Future.”
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Study Away: Kyoto CULTURE // CRAFT
Students traveled to Kyoto for nearly two weeks to develop a unique perspective about the social, ecological and cultural significance of traditional making and crafting.
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COANIQUEM: The Healing Tree
A comprehensive system of environmental graphics, a storybook and a ‘passport’ that transforms the campus of COANIQUEM, a nonprofit treatment center for pediatric burn survivors, into a magical land where patients and their families go on a healing journey.
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“Where’s Daryl?” Interaction Design Studio
In partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), this studio – a continuation of the “Where’s Daryl?” educational toolkit created in 2012 and a byproduct of the Uncool Studio in 2011 – challenged students to develop an easy-to-use and functional online teacher training portal so the anti-gun violence curriculum could be scaled nationally and reach a wider potential audience of users.
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Aquarium of the Pacific: Resilient Cities
In partnership with the Environmental Design Department and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA, and with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Resilient Coastal Cities Studio challenged ArtCenter students to conceptualize, design and create an exciting, engaging exhibit that would effectively communicate a call to action for the residents of Long Beach and other coastal cities for resiliency in the face of climate change.
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The Designmatters Minor in Social Innovation
Launching in Summer 2017, the Designmatters Minor in social innovation is a course of study for ArtCenter undergraduate students who want to master a toolkit of design skills and strategies to navigate the complex dynamics of working with communities and designing for social change.
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Communicating the Wellbeing of a City with Santa Monica
Communicating the Wellbeing of a City with Santa Monica challenged ArtCenter students to work alongside Santa Monica civic leaders and other community stakeholders to translate the City of Santa Monica’s pioneering Wellbeing Index into innovative transmedia design campaigns.
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Introduction

The Designmatters educational platform at ArtCenter College of Design joins collaboration with experimentation, experience with reflection, problem-solving with problem-discovery, and purpose with action.

Our Mission

Through research, advocacy and action, Designmatters engages, empowers and leads an ongoing exploration of art and design as a positive force in society.

“I have been impressed with our student’s ability to create thoughtful design narratives, that can literally change the trajectory of people’s lives, whether it’s on a humanitarian level, or emotional, psychological level.”
James Meraz, Environmental Design Faculty

Recent News

Field Update #2 Kyoto Culture // Craft

Designmatters Announces Mariana Amatullo’s Departure

“Sustainability remains the most important idea of the 21st century: that is, that a regenerative and reciprocal relationship with the planet (and its inhabitants) is possible and will ensure our survival.”
Heidrun Mumper-Drumm, Product Design, H&S and Graphic Design Faculty & Director of Sustainability Initiatives

COANIQUEM: The Healing Tree

The Fresh Eyes Cuba Book

Aquarium of the Pacific: Interactive Selfie Stations

"Cultural production and design must go hand in hand as we seek to improve the condition of our world."
Najeeba Syeed-Miller, Western Justice Center Foundation