Applications for Spring 2014!
The application can be found here. The application consists of some basic information, one written question, and one creative question where you can answer it in any form (picture, powerpoint slide, comic strip, video, etc)- up to you! Please fill out the survey part and email us the creative part at casewestern-cia@designforamerica.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does being a member of Design for America entail?
As a member, you will be on a group project. These projects help the local community and the topics are decided by what members are passionate about! Currently, we are working on the following project topics: bike safety project, community in winter weather, student focus, and space management. Each semester we have new projects starting, and this semester all new members will start the same project about Homelessness. In addition, we have speakers and fun events! As a member of the DFAmily, you will also be connected with the national network of studios.
What are more examples of sample projects?
Our projects topics are bike safety project, community in winter weather, student focus, and space management. These projects will continue this semester as they work on implementation! Here are some video links of completed projects at other schools across the nation:
Yale- How can we reduce heat waste in dorms?
University of Oregon- Melo Sense How cane we increase communication with non-verbal autistic children?
Northwestern- Swipe Sense How can we increase hand sanitation in hospitals?
This organization is called “Design for America” but I have no design experience. Should I still join?
The answer is yes! The main two goals of our studio are education and student projects. Design has many definitions and purposes. We use it as a way of thinking that is applicable to all majors and backgrounds. As a member you will begin in “Bootcamp” where you will learn all about Human Centered Design and the process. Furthermore, we have many resources including faculty on campus, the process guide, and our nationals mentors!
You mentioned the national network, what is it?
Design for America started at Northwestern in 2009. It was started by a group of students who wanted to apply what they were learning in the classroom to the real world and make a difference. Now it has grown to 17 schools! Here are some quick stats:
Network of 4,000 people (partners, students, mentors, etc. who have contacted us)
2.000 students have reached out to DFA chapters
350 core team members at 17 schools
and last year there were 50 projects
Headquarters is located at northwestern where staff work full time to assist us and help DFA growing.
Sounds really cool! But what is the time commitment?
DFA has 2 meetings each week, one as a full studio on Monday nights from 7:30pm-9pm and another decided when and where by your group.
I am ready to be a member! What do I need to do?
We decided that the first step of the application would be attending the workshop on Friday January 24. This way interested students could get a taste of what we do in Design for America. Interested students that did not attend need to set-up a time to speak with one of the current studio leads. This can be done by emailing Lexi.
The second part of the application consists of basic information, one written question, and one question for you to show your personality! The link can be found here. Please submit this all by Wednesday at 11:59pm.
What if I have more questions?
Please email us at casewestern-cia@designforamerica.com
visit our blog:: dfacwru.tumblr.com
facebook:: facebook.com/dfacwru
nationals:: designforamerica.com
Sincerely,
DFA CWRU + CIA