Join us with an “area of inquiry” that you’re ready to explore in a new way. In this course, we’ll explore making as a tactic for breaking up stagnant feedback loops and uncovering new directions for research, innovation, and invention.

This workshop introduces 3D scanning and printing, 2D scanning and collage, and basics of prototype assembly as skills that empower participants to investigate and communicate their ideas. From day one, you’ll take a ready, fire, aim approach to dive in and start using new skills and tools to explore your area of inquiry before recognizing, analyzing, and reflecting on where you landed and what you learned in the process.

• Explore appropriation of existing tools, technologies and techniques as a tactic in design-led research.
• Develop strategies for bringing seemingly divergent disciplines and knowledges into relation with one another.
• Learn how to use 3D scanning and 3D printing technology to study an existing object or environment.
• Explore physical attachment techniques for joining diverse materials and ideas

Wednesday evenings we’ll meet to explore new tools and methods and engage critically around how they could advance our work.

Saturday mornings are an opportunity to apply these skills and techniques during dedicated studio time.

Week 1 – 3D Scanning + Printing

Learn 3D scanning and 3D printing as a method for studying an environment or object relevant to your area of inquiry. Archive your process as a living resource throughout the course.

Week 2 – Prototyping + 2D Printing

Modify and engage with the 3D printed prototype from the previous week. Reconsider the desktop printer and scanner as a tool to appropriate and explore your ideas.

Week 3 – Joining + Attaching

Discover an assortment of materially specific joining, attaching, and binding techniques and apply them in novel ways.

Week 4 – Thinking Through Making

Use the tools and techniques you learned to further study your area of inquiry. Share your process and reflect on the emergent outcomes of the course with the group and invited guests.

Melody and Justin are designers, researchers, makers, and collaborators. Together, the pair produces workshops that exist at the intersection of their individual practices. Melody is the founder of studio VISIT, a creative practice for land-based research, strategy and design. Justin is the founder of Flourish LAB, an interdisciplinary studio working on the creative application and translation of environmental and life sciences research.

We get that things come up, but we rely on headcounts in our programs to survive as a business. If you request a refund...

More than 4 weeks before class begins → 100% refund More than 2 weeks before class begins → 50% refund Fewer than 2 weeks before class begins → No refund

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Index scholarships are designed to benefit underrepresented groups, BIPOC members of our community, and those for whom the class price is not accessible. These need-based scholarships will go to the candidates who best demonstrate why they should be chosen for the free spot to our class based on the following criteria:

Belong to groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the graphic design and creative industries

Do not have jobs that would pay for these courses as professional development

Cannot independently afford the class at list price

Share our value of intentional community

The number of selected applicants chosen is subject to the discretion of Index and the instructor, but every course will select at least one. Apply for a scholarship here. Applications close February 19th.