- Garnet Hertz

In 2019 the Bachelor of Interaction Design and the Bachelor of Illustration programs at Sheridan College undertook a collaborative experiment.

Taking an action research approach to Critical Making described best in this quote by Canada Research Chair in Design and Media Art Garnet Hertz, we rooted ourselves as guides and our role as helping students explore through the act of making, testing, reflecting.

Applied research opportunities for our students is a priority, proceeding with the interest of collaborating in a cross-disciplinary project we moved forward using a mural project already being undertaken by Illustration for B wing as a case study. This was a low-risk high-reward cross-disciplinary opportunity allowing our respective students to experience different development styles and creative methodologies while taking a deep dive into some innovative technology at a greater depth than we get to in curriculum

The project took place in the spring term of 2019, three IxD students and four Illustration students were selected to undertake this 10 day intensive applied research project. Faculty guided the process and helped focus student efforts as they developed a concept and created possible assets. Students were encouraged to collaborate in an action research methodology responding and highlighting the different ways they had been trained to develop projects and ideas.

A narrative workshop was used as a focused intensive ideation process, this helped in conceptualizing a theme. A material exploration resulted in an advanced conductive paint with enhanced characteristics. Cross-disciplinary collaboration resulted in dynamic, robust prototypes.

Our final deliverable included a full presentation of our findings, explorations, methodologies, and prototypes to multiple stakeholders. The project succeeded in its goal of exploring the academic potential of cross-disciplinary projects. Its success can be indirectly measured by the interest it has created for further cross-disciplinary research and directly by the interest it has created in developing a physical Mural using the results of our prototypes.

Next Steps

This visualization depicts the prototypes installed on location in the B-wing corridor. The next phase of this exciting process is under way as we look for research funding to develop these prototypes and eventually test them on location. Expect updates!