Design Ignites Change

Below is an archive of project case studies; each one is a designer’s vision to ignite change in the world through creative problem solving. We aim to bring big ideas such as these out of the studio and into the community to inspire like-minded changemakers. Projects are posted by Design Ignites Change participants and award applicants.

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I need a sidewalk!

Kansas City Art Institute

This project is the development of a campaign, aimed at a section of road without sidewalk in Kansas City. The area has a beautiful park for every... more ⇒

ECODE project

Academy of Art University

ECODE aims to inform consumers and aid socially responsible shoppers by providing a clear and consistent graphic code for product labels. With the cur... more ⇒

HAITI BRIDGE: I helped build it.

Otis College of Art and Design

HOW DO YOU CONSTRUCT A BRIDGE between a small Los Angeles community and their Global Haitian neighbors after the 2010 earthquake? ... more ⇒

Floatfarm

University of Southern California School of Architecture

Floatfarm proposes a community of floating shrimp farms as a means of adapting to the ongoing rise in sea levels of the Mekong Delta, where aquaculture ac... more ⇒

Cease 4 Peace

C.S. Mott Community College

Addressing his personal experience growing up in Flint, Michigan, DeMarcus Smith has designed a project that speaks to youth in his community about th... more ⇒