DAA x Designing For The Future
Here at DAA we support the education and development of students who we know have the determination, drive, and skills to shape their own path of high achievement with the ultimate goal of creating civically engaged, joyful citizens who are ready to change the world. Our middle school artists are creative problem solvers and last June they got the chance to put their curiosity & creativity to the test! During our transportation design unit students studied the evolution of car design and learned about Detroit's role and reputation as the Motorcity. They learned that Detroit is the global automotive headquarters and the timeline and history of Ford's impact in Detroit, its surrounding communities, and the world.
To kick off our final project I had our young designers study the work of Mckinley Thompson who was the first major black car designer and led Ford into the future with his concept for the 1963 Bronco. Next students looked at current examples of the latest Bronco and began to brainstorm how its design might need to change for the future. Each student then began ideating new concepts for their very own Bronco and sketching ideas. The grand finale to this unit was when we were invited by Cortnie Squirewell and her team of experts and designers to visit Ford’s Product Design Centre in Dearborn! Ford’s team put together different stations that were specifically tailored to our students' unit and their individual interests. They created a virtual reality station where students were able to see and experience how Ford uses VR technology to create, test, and refine their designs. A colors & materials station was set up so students understood the entire design process from start to finish and could see, touch, and feel how designers choose textures, patterns, and colors to apply to Ford’s vehicles. This station helped them understand how to design with trends in mind and know what Ford’s customers will like. And last but not least each student got to have a 1x1 design meeting to present their work to one of Ford's chief exterior designers, the incredible Earl Lucas. To get real time feedback with an expert in the field and be able to learn, and draw alongside him was invaluable.
This unique experience allowed students to see real world applications for their work and picture themselves in future career opportunities in art and design. This work also allowed them to advocate for solving real world problems through designing their own Bronco’s of the future. An example of this is when one of our 6th grade students got to share her design for Bronco that would be transform into a makeshift home with a comfy bed for someone experiencing homelessness, or another student who took into account the rise of natural disasters and designed a Bronco that would have a full medical care kit and on site hospital for anyone who might need medical attention in the case of emergency. And last but not least a student designed a bronco with bullet proof glass so that families riding inside would have a safe space from gun violence while commuting through their community. To say I am proud of this group of young designers would be an understatement. Our artists are the leaders of tomorrow, they have all the best ideas to design solutions for the problems we face in the present and make predictions for what we need to change for a better future.
