Design is an encompassing discipline central to every aspect of life. The Center for Design and Material Culture, within the School of Human Ecology, supports a focus on the relationships between humans and the objects and environments they create and use. Through our collaborations with the Design Studies Department, we support design research and initiatives related to human-centered design, design innovation, visualization, historical and cultural studies, emerging technology, and creative practice.
Design Lecture Series
The Design Lecture Series is an annual program offered through the Design Studies Department in co-sponsorship with the Center for Design and Material Culture. Twice each semester, a scholar and/or maker is invited to campus to present a public lecture. In conjunction with their lecture, they visit classes within the Design Studies Department, meet with faculty and students, and even host workshops for students connected to their practice. Click below for more information and to watch recordings of past lectures.
Design Research Fellowship
The Center for Design and Material Culture’s new Design Research Fellowship program is an exciting opportunity for UW faculty members to engage in substantial projects with the center team, particularly around classes, exhibitions, and programs connected to design research. Below are examples of past projects that were a part of the former faculty-in-residence program.
Affiliated Programs
The Center for Design and Material Culture collaborates with a number of design programs offered through the Design Studies Department in the School of Human Ecology through course engagements, exhibitions in our galleries, research visits to the collection, and more. We also offer a number of student employment and fellowship opportunities available to all UW–Madison students.
Interior Architecture Program
This four-year professional program, accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment.
Design, Innovation & Society Program
Through this major, students explore the interconnectedness between people, technology, culture, and social change to address today’s complex societal issues through an expanded understanding of design.
MS Design + Innovation (MD+I) Program
Solve big social problems through a creative lens. MDI’s dynamic graduate program was created for designers, entrepreneurs, strategists, innovations leaders, and others looking to be successful collaborators.
Design Studies PhD Program
Through this major, students will explore the interconnectedness between people, technology, culture, and social change to address today’s complex societal issues through an expanded understanding of design.
