Design & Prototyping

As the critical actionable component of the school’s Digital Literacy & Design program, the work of human-centered design encourages students to use all the resources at their disposal for problem-solving, research, personal productivity and aspirational creativity. In whole class lessons, small group work, and open studio students are encouraged to innovate, collaborate, prototype and iterate. In addition to direct instruction, Educational Innovation Coordinators support teachers in incorporating design projects into their curriculum, and encourage thoughtful risk-taking and experimentation.

Design and Prototyping takes place across the curriculum and throughout the campus. The Unkefer Spark Studio is a nexus of the program’s activated spaces, as makerspace, innovation lab and collaboration zone. We offer both high- and low-tech materials, including robotic components, 3D printers, programmable electronics and other digital equipment alongside rolling whiteboards, cardboard, tape and hand tools.