Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a physical heart defect that begins in the womb, impacting around 40,000 children born in the U.S. each year. Seeking to improve education for diagnosed children and their families, undergraduate student Levi Skelton (Product Design) partnered with the UMN Medical School to create a product for teaching children about CHD.
Professor Emerita Becky Yust didn’t intend to pursue a career in academia. Originally set on becoming an interior designer, the advice and support she received from professors led her to pursue a career as an educator. During her time in higher education, Yust has served as a professor, program chair, department head, and even the College of Design’s interim dean. Over the course of her career, she’s mentored countless students, faculty members, and staff, helping them to find their own paths. After almost five decades of service, Yust celebrated her last semester at the University of Minnesota (UMN) in May 2022. In this interview, she reflects on her career, the challenges she faced, and shares advice for academics and designers.
The College of Design invites current students and recent graduates to attend one of our fall career events! Are you an alumnus or employer who's hiring? Register to attend one of our events as an employer to meet our future designers.
In the spring of 2018 Teaching Specialist Bill Moran (Graphic Design) asked his students to design fabric wraps for the concrete pillars lining the basement of McNeal Hall. The project was a success, and it prompted Moran to ask himself, “Why not try this in the McNeal Hall Atrium?” The idea stuck with him and finally came to fruition in June 2022 when Moran solicited help from alumni, students, staff of the Goldstein Museum of Design, and received funding from the college’s Kusske Design Initiative to make his idea a reality.
From tackling the user experience design of the Metaverse to developing customized pediatric respiratory masks, our faculty are conducting research across the design fields and beyond. This spring, 12 faculty members received grants from the University’s Imagine Fund, which supports innovative research in the arts, humanities, and design fields.
All College of Design News
From interviews with faculty, students, and alumni to profiles on our latest research, read more about what the College of Design community is working on.
Featured Event
Exhibition Dates: September 1–December 1, 2022
Location: HGA Gallery, Rapson Hall
John Carmody, founding director of the Center for Sustainable Building Research (CSBR), sought balance and integration within the network of human life, ecological systems, and built environments.
This exhibition celebrates his remarkable 40+ year career as an environmental activist and systems designer who brought actionable solutions to complex problems. This exhibit traces John’s journey over four decades to enrich humankind’s spiritual connection with the Earth and inspire responsible stewardship for the future. Curated by colleagues at CSBR, the Minnesota Design Center, and the private sector, Carmody’s expansive work continues to shape how we live and build.
Upcoming Events
Join Us at an Event
The College of Design hosts events across a full range of design disciplines. From research showcases to lecture series, student exhibitions, discussion panels, and more, we have countless ways for you to get involved in our community.
