Design in a Post-Pandemic World Spring 2021 Discussion Series

February 11, 2021

Meet people from different backgrounds and use conversation to co-imagine our post-pandemic future in the spring 2021 Design in a Post-Pandemic World Discussion Series.

Design in a Post-Pandemic World is a discussion series that looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes already underway before the global crisis began; how those changes will likely affect our lives from now on; and how we can use the crisis to construct a more humane, equitable, and sustainable future. Each session begins with a brief introduction to the topic of the day, followed by large and small group discussions as a platform for practical futurism—to envision what could be and identify ways to move in more positive directions through collaboration and design.

Design in a Post-Pandemic World: Apparel and Product Design Interventions

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 – 12:45 PM CST
Speakers: Linsey Griffin, Ph.D., (Assistant Professor and Co-director, UMN Human Dimensioning Laboratory) and Ehsan Naderi, Ph.D., (Assistant Professor of Product Design)

This conversation will explore apparel and product design pivots and interventions in response to the pandemic, as well as trends and more lasting impacts related to these changes. We’ll touch on shifts related to user research, rapid prototyping, supply chain and manufacturing, systems of consumption and waste, technology, agility, skills for the new workforce, and other issues of interest to participants. Learn more and register to attend the February 16 event.

Design in a Post-Pandemic World: Retail and Consumer Experiences

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 – 11:30 AM CST
Speakers: Myra Vaughn, AIA, LEED AP (Principal and Seattle Practice Leader, Kenneth Park Architects); Hyunjoo Im, Ph.D. (Associate Professor, Retail Merchandising and Director of the Design Graduate Program, UMN); Steve Ripple (SVP of Insights with The Stable)

This conversation will explore post-pandemic changes related to retail and service experiences. Watch for more details coming soon. Learn more and register to attend the March 17 event.

Design in a Post-Pandemic World: Environmental Impacts

Thursday, April 22, 2021 – 11:15 AM CST
Speakers: Richard Graves (Director, UMN Center for Sustainable Building Research), Elizabeth Turner (Architect, Planner & Sustainability Consultant, Precipitate), and Shengyin Xu, LEED AP BD+C (Global Sustainability Manager, World Resources Institute)

This conversation will explore environmental impacts related to the pandemic including current and future trends and how design can make a difference. Watch for more details about this event coming soon! Learn more and register to attend the April 22 event.

Design in a Post-Pandemic World: Design Justice

Wednesday, May 26, 2021 – 12:30 PM CST
Speakers: Terresa Moses (Creative Director at Blackbird Revolt and Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, UMN College of Design) Mary-Margaret Zindren (Executive Vice President and Executive Director, American Institute of Architects Minnesota)

Learn more and register to attend the May 26 event.

Did you miss the fall 2020 Design in a Post-Pandemic World discussions? Now you can watch all of the discussion series on the College of Design Youtube channel.

The following is a guest post from Minnesota Design Center Director Tom Fisher.

The following is a guest post written by Associate Vice Provost in the Office for Equity and Diversity and CSBR Senior Research Fellow Virajita Singh.

This fall, the School of Architecture is proud to present its latest lecture series. Featuring practitioners, educators, and activists, these lectures are free and open to the public.