A modified chess set that uses uniform pieces constructed with subtle tactile differences to explore the role appearance plays in human society.

Subtle Individuality challenges users by reminding them that appearances provide limited information, and a close examination of character, through personal interaction, is needed to evaluate a human being. To reflect this, at first glance, the chess set is made up of identical pieces. While every piece looks the same, the identities of the pieces must be deduced by processes more involved than simply looking. 

The set is made out of wood and employs a standard board, standard rules, and standard distribution of pieces. However, the pieces are identical in appearance. Their hollow construction allows for each piece to be filled with varying levels of either sand or metal nuts. The combination of these two variables creates a distinct profile for each of the six chess archetypes.

Instead of being able to judge the state of the board at a glance, players will have to evaluate the board by holding and feeling the pieces. The difference between the pieces can be observed through weight, sound, and impact by shaking or rolling the pieces in the player's hand. This slows down the player and causes them to give more attention to each piece, compelling them to re-examine how they evaluate other human beings during first impressions.

The work we have done in this studio has shown me a deeper meaning of the word "design." The way something is made and what it is made out of can have social and political implications without ever explicitly stating so. The way a chair is designed may express who was meant to sit in it.

The Family Tree is a living time capsule for extended families, allowing each family their own specific branch to share memories, hardships, or joyful moments with one another as a means to bring the family closer together with these shared moments available to share for generations. 

In my Family Tree, the trunk represents my cousin, Brad, who died of a brain tumor at age 13. During the one year from when he was diagnosed to when he died, all 75 extended family members connected in ways we never had before. I thought it would be appropriate to create a base in his memory, with “B LISKA” written on the side of the tree trunk, which was the license plate he wanted oto have on his first car. I created the branches to represent the various extended families that make up my larger one, with caps labeling each family’s last name and designated repository. Anyone in the family can use the vessel to share special memories and aspirations as keepsakes for other family members to view and future generations to see. 

Automated doors have allowed buildings to be significantly more accessible, giving people with physical impairments the ability to navigate more independently, and generally being convenient for everyone. However, while current door automating systems offer great accessibility, the systems themselves are not very accessible to the general public. They typically cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars, have extremely involved installation, and are huge, intrusive devices. Doorbot solves these problems with a low profile, easy to use, and affordable design. Doorbot uses two motors to open a door, one that pulls the doors handle down with a string, and one with a wheel on the ground to roll the door open. To install Doorbot, the user simply slides the device beneath the door and uses the ratcheting mechanism to push up and grip the door, while pushing the wheel against the ground for improved traction. Then, after attaching the string on the device to the door handle with its strapping mechanism, the user can simply actuate the remote control to open that door. Since the design only requires two motors, a receiver, and remote, it can be made for under a hundred dollars.

Portfolio Boards

For each studio, students will create Portfolio Boards. These boards serve two purposes:

1. Boards will be printed out as a poster for end of term or end of year exhibitions.
2. Boards can be used as the basis of a project-based portfolio that can be sent to potential employers in either printed or PDF form.
   
   

The template for the project board insures a visual consistency across projects, both for exhibitions and sent portfolios. It requires Adobe Illustrator and the installation of the Roboto font.

The text should be a condensed version of the Brief and should follow the same stylistic guidelines.

The types of images and diagrams can be adapted but should show the overall project and its use.