parsons design review

the following parsons student design review was submitted by d*s reader marissa. thanks so much, marissa!

For the past three years, seniors in the Parsons Product Design department have been working in collaboration with nonprofit organizations to explore the potential of design to bring about social change. What follows is a sampling of thesis work from the graduating class. Students' text has been edited for brevity.

This project proposes soap formed in the shape of a landmine, that will be sold to raise money for Adopt-A-Minefield while also raising people's awareness of the problem. The soap diminishes and finally disappears with use; this is a metaphor to show that if people contribute to the campaign against landmines, they will cleanse the earth of landmines. You can contact Hideaki here.

PAPANATAS is a multifunctional furniture set that includes four stools and a table-top. It is inspired by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) labor in Aceh, Indonesia. PAPANATAS' purpose is to convey the spirit of 'child friendly spaces' - a concept developed by the IRC - in a set of furniture. To learn more about Javier’s project, email him here.

The Emotional Skin wall system increases the sense of comfort in elevators. The elevator is a public space packed with emotions, most of which are negative. Redesigning the interior walls and display using emotional design can improve the experience of the elevator ride. If you would like to contact Mihoko, you can reach her here.

The Green Links system is comprised of a series of modular nature collecting kits that are utilized in conjunction with a wearable collecting pack and a computer interface hub. Green Links is intended to complement and expand the environmental education programs at The Nature Conservancy. To contact Kim about her project, email here.

Couples whose sex lives have become routine may explore their sexuality using the Erota seat and lounge. Sexually ergonomic principles and environmental geometric principles have been adapted to modern style furnishing. You can contact Bo here.

The Cupcollector is part of a system for the collection and recycling of wax-coated paper cups. It is intended to raise consciousness of consumers and businesses so they will ultimately take responsibility for their recyclable waste. To contact Risa about the Cupcollector, email her here.

Birds of a Feather is a series of kits that sequentially build children's sewing skills. One of the kits, featured above, creates a bird finger puppet that flaps its wings and encourages interactive play. This project was developed in collaboration with Jennifer Lee's 1st and 2nd grade class and the Stanley Isaacs after school program. To learn more about Marissa's project, visit here.