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Design Redefined

Design Redefined is series of events seeking to challenge our perception of design as a process of enhancing aesthetics, usability, or marketability and moving towards a deeper understanding of it as a powerful tool for change.

Appropriate for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as design professionals, each session will feature a panel discussion featuring thought leaders, followed by a hands-on exploration of key design principles, light refreshments, and networking. Co-hosted by MIT MAD and Innovators for Purpose.

Free with Museum admission. Free for teens.

Catalyzing Innovation: Designing with Life

This event brings together designers of all levels — from teens to industry professionals — to explore the ways in which biotechnology and design using living organisms are driving innovation in medical, architectural, and fabrication industries, ultimately shaping the future of material design.

A woman with long brown hair smiles warmly while standing outdoors in front of a brick building with large arched windows. She is wearing a black blazer over a green top, and the setting appears professional and inviting.

Nicole Black

PhD, Program Director, MedTech Innovator
A black-and-white portrait of a man with short, wavy hair smiling gently at the camera. He is wearing a striped shirt under a casual jacket, with a background that appears slightly blurred, giving a soft focus to the image. The overall feel is friendly and approachable.

Daniel Tish

DDes, Lecturer in Architecture, Harvard Graduate School of Design
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Nathan Kirokwa

Pioneer Charter School, BioBuilder Program Alum
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Sayo Eweje

Moderator, MIT-Harvard MD-PhD Student
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Lauren (Ren) Ramlan

Design Exercise Facilitator, Graduate Student in Biological Engineering and MIT Media Lab

Past Sessions

Shaping Shared Spaces

In this session, we’ll delve into the heart of designing shared spaces while exploring the unique dynamics at play when infusing vibrancy and community spirit into public spaces. Learn how design can unite communities and create spaces where everyone feels they belong, including teens who are often overlooked. Join us in a conversation that aims not just to question but to act.

This program is presented as part of Boston Design Week.

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Michelle Moon

Panelist, Principal and Founder, Civic Space Collaborative
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Hermela Shimelis

Panelist, Cambridge Rindge and Latin, iFp Emerging Innovator
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Ayesha M. Wilson

Moderator, Cambridge City Councilor
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Aubrey Tyler

Panelist, Associate, HargreavesJones
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Taylor Leonard

Panelist, Program Manager, Community Partnerships, Charles River Conservancy

Equity, Ethics, Engagement and AI

Join us as we reimagine the AI landscape through intentional design. In this session, we will examine how the principles of equity, ethics, and engagement can transform AI from a technology where inclusion is not just an aspiration, but the primary catalyst for innovation. This program will be moderated by Innovators for Purpose, a BIPOC-led non-profit youth design and innovation studio.

A maker activity and networking opportunity will follow the panel discussion.

Appropriate for teens and adults.

Moderator: Ramzey Burdette

Boston Latin Academy, iFp Emerging Innovator

Panelist: Daniella DiPaola

PhD Student, MIT Media Lab

Panelist: Wendell Joseph

Thinker, Dreamer, Educator, Designer, Strategic Advisor

Panelist: Raechel Walker

PhD Student, MIT Media Lab