In the studio

Learning mindsets and methods of design

  • Framing problems and eliciting insight

    In wkrm students learn a contemporary form of design based on inquiry and action. In the service of a client and key stakeholders, they learn to form teams, build chemistry, and frame the client’s problem by exploring historical data, building rapport with the client, and combining that new knowledge with their own hunches.

    With a problem frame to guide their research, they begin a process of understanding the human factors within the frame, using interviews and observational research to elicit insights.

  • Generating ideas derived from research

    With a foundation of insight to build upon, student teams learn intentional methods for “ideation”, or how to generate targeted, thoughtful, informed ideas that address different parts of the problem frame.

    The acts of ideation are both individual and communal. The teams co-design potential solutions - with each other, with the people who might use their ideas, and with the client team.

  • Prototyping, testing, iterating, and storytelling

    After prioritizing the most relevant (and provocative) ideas with their client, students learn about methods of prototyping to elicit more specific insights.

    This phase teaches teams humility as they watch their favorite ideas fail at some level, while quickly learning how to improve them.

    Teams complete the process through storytelling, design documentation, and asset delivery, enabling their client to use the solutions to inform strategy, planning, and the launch of pilot programs.

Prof. Jon Freach

Jon has a 30-year background in design. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Practice at The University of Texas at Austin School of Design and Creative Technologies, and the Center for Integrated Design.

Jon also works with Bloomberg Philanthropies providing design coaching and Civic Design direction for cities in the Bloomberg-Harvard City Innovation Program and the Global Mayors Challenge. Since 2018 he has worked with the cities of:

  • Lincoln, NE developing an autonomous vehicle system to decrease congestion

  • Durham, NC prototyping incentivization strategies to increase public transit ridership

  • Tulsa, OK improving staff morale in their Animal Welfare Center

  • Arlington, TX integrating mental health and wellbeing services between city and county agencies

  • Oklahoma City, OK increasing community amongst seniors in the COVID pandemic

  • New Orleans, LA re-establishing trust with residents by making the street repair process more inclusive, visible, and understandable

  • Moncton, New Brunswick CA developing methods to help residents, businesses, and city stakeholders to meet municipal net-zero emissions goals

From 2008-2018, Jon was a Principal Designer and Executive Director of Design Research at frog, one of the world’s largest design agencies, where he provided client project consultation, organizational leadership, and mentorship to a global community of design, strategy, and technology staff.

Publications

Design in the Civic Space: Generating Impact in City Government
Stephanie Wade and Jon Freach
Published in the ADMC 2022 Academic Design Management Conference Proceedings (p87)

Writing and Research website >

Design Patents

Wayfinding: System and Method for Managing Signage and wayfinding Elements
United States Patent US20070100540 A12
November 2006
Read here >

Graphical User Interface
United States Patent US6710788 B13
December 1996
Read here >