The School of Design recognizes that the field of design is expanding, which is why the Environments track was added as an undergraduate track. When we use the term “Environments,” we are referring to the design of the experiences people have in physical spaces, which are increasingly being impacted by technology (smart devices, sensors, immersive projection, augmented reality, etc.). We are the only design school in the U.S. to have an undergraduate program dedicated to the design of digital and physical (sometimes called phygital or hybrid) environments.

As Environments designers in the School of Design, we work on projects that are real-world to speculative, from right now to 10 years into the future, from the scale of an artifact to systems and services that impact entire communities. At the core of what we do is the design of place-based experiences and interactions that result in meaningful human experiences. We are particularly interested in developing delightful experiences that involve the seamless integration of digital and physical systems. We are also always looking at the horizon, considering what role design and designers have in the development of emerging technologies.

A small scale model of a retail space

How We Work

In every project we consider who we are designing for, what interactions should take place (between people, objects, technology, and space), how the experience we are designing can be realized, and why the world needs what we’re making. Therefore, when designing environments you often design both the physical characteristics (e.g. layout, lighting, furniture, color, interfaces, branding, artifacts) and digital interactions (e.g. sensors, AI, apps, computer vision, physical computing, augmented reality) to foster particular experiences. Examples of the types of environments we explore in the School of Design include retail experiences, interactive exhibits, “smart” device interactions, new kinds of mixed reality experiences, intelligent environments, social systems, and experimental speculative projects.

We learn and experiment with a wide range of domain-specific knowledge and approaches. We also work to synthesize multiple theoretical perspectives and apply them practically and critically through our work. The practical skills that we develop include interaction and user experience design (UX), physical and digital prototyping and modeling, physical computing, storytelling and filmmaking, multi-sensory and brand design, mixed and augmented reality, creative use of machine learning, speculative design and design fiction.

Our History

Over a decade ago, the School of Design recognized that increasingly, we live in hybrid times and designing for our experiences is an ever-broadening field. Therefore the Environments track was launched in 2014 to expand the School’s work in design into areas that are not always covered by Communications and Products. Since that time, the physical and digital have continued to blend even further with smart spaces, internet of things, mixed reality, sensor networks, big data, artificial intelligence, smart cities, and mixed reality interfaces. The history of the Environments field is only now starting to be written.

Our Alumni

Students who studied in the Environments track are now designing physical, digital, and hybrid experiences, new services, exhibits, and exploring the boundaries of new technologies. They are entrepreneurial (both in starting their own businesses and seeking out opportunities) and embrace ambiguity; feeling confident in their ability to adapt to change, take on daunting challenges, and learn new skills. Graduates are designing interactions and experiences at Apple, Google, AJQA, Capital One, Adobe and Duolingo, among others. Environments students have interned with companies and organizations that include Apple, Google, NASA, Microsoft, Samsung, LinkedIn, Facebook, Dubberly Design Office, Deeplocal, frog design, odopod design, and Blast Motion, among others.

Electives

Faculty that teach Environments studios offer electives that allow students to experiment with new technology, experiential prototyping, and environmental typography. Environments students are also encouraged to take other electives both within the School of Design and across campus in IDeATE, Architecture, Music, Drama, Art, Computer Science, HCI, and others that may expand their personal interests in design.