Ideating possible designs for outdoor products through a lens of democratic impacts rather than recreational uses has been powerful, to say the least.
By Tristan Murray (B.S. Design ‘22)
COVID-19 has substantially changed the way design schools interact with partners. The days of visiting a design partner’s facility for a studio project have long been passed due to the dangers of coronavirus. This has left a gap in many design schools that had often relied on local partners for inspiration, design opportunities, and mutually beneficial collaborations.
Fortunately, the Multi-Disciplinary Design program’s Field Studio has been lucky enough to partner with The Rural Utah Project. The RUP has been immensely supportive of our studio’s work and have been wonderful to collaborate with virtually. They have shared with us many stories, pictures, and anecdotes from their daily work of empowering voters in rural areas. In arguably the most important election of this past century, the RUP has still been incredibly generous with their time by video calling us and providing thoughtful feedback of our work, all while trying to maintain elusive internet connection in the desert. Their strong passion for their duty as rural activists is reflected in their eagerness to assist us in any way they can as studio partners.
With this, working with rural activists has been eye-opening for myself and other product design students within the studio. Having the opportunity to participate in the design process with partners that have such an important role in their communities is an absolute privilege and one that myself and other students do not take lightly. Ideating possible designs for outdoor products through a lens of democratic impacts rather than recreational uses has been powerful, to say the least. While we long for the days of in-person deliverables, we look forward to continuing this partnership virtually throughout the semester; and will continue to optimistically await a day when we can safely present our combined efforts to the Rural Utah Project in-person.