The most evident newly valued qualities [of physical and social environments] are the recognition of complexity as a value; the search for dense, deep, and lasting relationship; the redefinition of work and collaboration as central human expressions; and the human scale of the socio-technical systems and its positive role in the definition of a democratic, […]

Small, local, open and connected: an emerging scenario For a long time, we have known that, whatever our future society will be, it will be a “risk society” [2]—a society likely to be affected by different kinds of traumatic events (from natural catastrophes, to war and terrorism, to financial and economic crisis). We have known […]

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Collusion Project: Sketches and ideation for Mozilla’s Collusion project, a program meant to show users how their internet data is being tracked and sold to advertisers. Rogers Ibeam Project. A partnership between Rogers and Emily Carr resulted in the iBeam, designed by Tyler Fox and Ada Chui.   View PDF

“An increasingly common approach to graphic design research involves the application of user-centred design (UCD) methods. The focus of a UCD methodology is to understand and accommodate the needs of users and audience members as a means for improving the designed artifact.” [1] Design practice is centred on audience(s). It matters little whether the audience […]

Abstract This paper focuses on the process of designing an interactive digital space. Aiming to facilitate growth and connection within the Vancouver local music scene, the resulting project is a user-centered web space named Bulletin that enables interaction between event planners, artists and audience members. The importance of co-creation in the developmental and end stages […]

In the last ten years the word Research has become an increasing part of our vocabulary. Wielding the word like a talisman, we seek to reframe what we do to join with what have been largely science and humanities groups in the conversation of knowledge and artifact production. It can feel like cozying up to […]

The introduction of tablets and e-readers marked not only the displacement of some cooking texts from printed books to screens but also opened up new possibilities for their use. Bringing tablets into the kitchen to follow recipes directly from their screen became the norm as they afford a large screen that allows people to read […]

A good conversation can change everything. As this three-year partnership between Powertech Labs and Emily Carr University of Art + Design demonstrates, good conversation can seed insights and change trajectories. In our case, iterative dialogue clarified business strategy, identified new markets, and deepened understanding about the technical and social systems surrounding the use of energy […]

Abstract This article examines how participatory design strategies can serve as an effective tool when working with multiple design constraints. Emily Carr University of Art + Design students were asked to collaborate with children with special learning needs to create a textile-based product from reclaimed fabric that endorsed sustainability among both the users and the […]

  Everything is Social Now Design has been growing in scope to embrace the larger social contexts of products and services. In the past, design was focused mainly on material concerns with the embodiment of design ideas in the form of products, environments or communication systems. But now the conversation is about design for experience, […]

Abstract This paper discusses the research and design of ‘Sustainer’ a reminder-based, behavior-change mobile application ( app ) paired with a re-usable container meant to help reduce waste caused by disposable to-go food containers. The project is the collaboration of communication design student Kieran Wallace and industrial design student Andreas Eiken of Emily Carr University of Art […]