MAD.002 DesignPlus Exploration
(New)
 ( )
Prereq: None
Units: 2-1-0 [P/D/F]
Supports first-year students in designing and making individual exploratory projects. Through experimentation, iteration, and reflection, students develop ideas of personal interest while building skills in prototyping and communicating design intent. Structure is flexible to account for diverse student interests within the field of design. Presents a broad perspective on designing and making across MIT. Subject can count toward the 6-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students. Limited to 12; preference to students in the DesignPlus First Year Learning Community.
Staff
MAD.501 MAD Fellows Seminar I
(New)
 ( )
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-3
Lecture: M11-1 (W41-1401)
Explores design methodologies in graduate research as well as contemporary issues in design practices. Guest lecturers present themes of common interest and share sources of design inspiration. Limited to graduate student fellows supported by the Morningside Academy for Design.
J. Ochsendorf
No textbook information available
MAD.502 MAD Fellows Seminar II
(New)
()
Prereq: None
Units: 2-1-0
Features presentations and discussions with guest lecturers and faculty on contemporary issues in design practice. Students engage with a cohort of graduate peers conducting design-related research and with faculty exploring shared themes of interest, and share sources of design inspiration. Limited to graduate student fellows supported by the Morningside Academy for Design.
Staff
MAD.701[J] D-Lab: Development
(New)
() 
(Same subject as 11.025[J], EC.701[J])
(Subject meets with 11.472[J], EC.781[J], MAD.781[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-2-7
Lecture: MW3.30-5 (N51-310) Lab: F3.30-5 (N51-310)
Issues in international development, appropriate technology and project implementation addressed through lectures, case studies, guest speakers and laboratory exercises. Students form project teams to partner with community organizations in developing countries, and formulate plans for an optional IAP site visit. (Previous field sites include Ghana, Brazil, Honduras and India.) Recitation sections focus on specific project implementation, and include cultural, social, political, environmental and economic overviews of the target countries as well as an introduction to the local languages. Enrollment limited by lottery; must attend first class session.
S. L. Hsu, B. Sanyal
No textbook information available
MAD.712[J] Applications of Energy in Global Development
(New)
()
(Same subject as 2.652[J], EC.712[J])
(Subject meets with EC.782[J], MAD.792[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 4-0-8
Lecture: MW1-3 (N51-310)
Engages students in project-based learning, in collaboration with D-Lab community partners, to improve access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Teams work on off-grid energy projects addressing challenges in lighting, cooking, agricultural productivity, or other areas in collaboration with D-Lab community partners in developing countries. Project work includes assessment of user needs, technology identification, product design, prototyping, and development of implementation strategies to continue progress of ongoing projects. Optional IAP field visits may be available to test and implement the solutions developed during the semester. Students enrolled in the graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 20; preference to students who have taken EC.711.
Staff
No textbook information available
MAD.714[J] D-Lab: Smallholder Agriculture
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.724[J])
(Subject meets with EC.784[J], MAD.784[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-6
Explores solutions to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of food and agricultural systems involving smallholder farmers from low- and middle-income countries as the main producers. Lectures from industry and academic experts are paired with optional weekend experiential learning trips at regional farms to explore innovative practices, building a system-level framework for incorporating smallholders into local and regional food systems. Project-based teamwork with global partners focuses on leveraging resources to enhance production, such as through pest reduction, appropriate irrigation technology, post-harvest refrigeration, or value chain/business/cooperative innovations. Optional international summer travel to project locations. Graduate students complete additional deliverables. Limited to 12.
E. McDonald, G. Sixt, K. Zheng
MAD.719[J] D-Lab: Climate Change and Planetary Health
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.719[J])
(Subject meets with EC.789[J], MAD.789[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-4-5
Examines the current state and future projections of climate change and its effects on human, ecosystem, and planetary health, and develops solutions for these challenges. Class is project-based, student-focused, experiential, and transdisciplinary. Emphasizes nature- and community-based solutions, both local and global, with a focus on environmental and climate justice. Participation and teamwork are fundamental, as are experiential activities such as field trips to zero-carbon buildings and to sites undergoing rapid transformation. Working individually or in teams, students develop a term project on a climate change or planetary health solution of their choice, applying knowledge and skills to craft innovative, sustainable real-world solutions. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
S. Murcott, J. Simpson
MAD.725[J] Leadership in Design
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.725[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 5-0-1
Places special focus on team capacity building and the communication skills critical to design leadership. Multidisciplinary teams work on semester-long projects in collaboration with international organizations, field practitioners, and experts, building team and leadership skills used to address problems faced by underserved communities while implementing design, experimentation, and hands-on prototyping processes. Topics covered include human-centered design, design for affordability and remote manufacturing, sustainability, and strategies for working effectively with international partners. Limited to 20 students in the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program.
E. Squibb, A. Singh
MAD.729[J] D-Lab: Design for Scale
(New)
()
(Same subject as 2.729[J], EC.729[J])
(Subject meets with 2.789[J], EC.797[J], MAD.799[J])
Prereq: None. Coreq: 2.008; or permission of instructor
Units: 3-2-7
Lecture: TR3.30-5 (N51-310) Lab: R2-3.30 (N51-310)
Explores the external factors affecting product development for people in low-resource settings in a project-based context. Students apply existing engineering skills in interdisciplinary teams to identify contextual limitations and develop previously established prototypes towards manufacturing-ready product designs for real-world project sponsors. Topics are presented within the context of the developing world and include technology feasibility and scalability assessment; value chain analysis; product specification; and manufacturing methodologies at various scales. Lessons are experiential and case study-based, taught by instructors with field experience and industry experts from product development consulting firms and the consumer electronics industry. Students taking graduate version complete additional written assignments.
M. Yang, M. Kenney, M. Aguesse
No textbook information available
MAD.750[J] Humanitarian Innovation: Design for Relief, Rebuilding, and Recovery
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.750[J])
(Subject meets with EC.785[J], MAD.785[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 4-0-8
Lecture: TR1-3 (N51-350)
Explores the role innovation can and does play in how humanitarian aid is provided, and how it can impact people, products, and processes. Provides a fundamental background in the history and practice of humanitarian aid. Considers the various ways that design can be used to enhance aid, such as product and system design for affected populations, co-creation with affected populations, and capacity building to promote design by refugees and the displaced. Case studies and projects examine protracted displacement as well as recovery and resettlement, including efforts in Colombia, Lebanon, Nepal, Sudan, and Uganda. Potential for students to travel over the summer to partner communities.
A. Smith, M. Thompson
No textbook information available
MAD.768[J] D-Lab: Gender and Development
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.718[J], WGS.277[J])
(Subject meets with EC.798[J], MAD.798[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: W9.30-12.30 (N51-310)
Explores gender roles, illuminates the power dynamics and root causes of inequality, and provides a framework for understanding gender dynamics. Develops skills to conduct a gender analysis and integrate gender-sensitive strategies into large- and small-scale development solutions. Prompts critical discussion about social, economic, and political conditions that shape gender in development. Begins with exploration of international development in the post-colonial era, using a gender lens, then provides students with the tools to integrate gender-sensitive strategies into international development work, with a particular focus on launching, building and scaling women's ventures. Opportunities may be available for international fieldwork over IAP. Meets with 24.234 when offered concurrently. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 12; must attend first class session.
E. McDonald, S. Haslanger
No textbook information available
MAD.770[J] D-Lab: Independent Project
(New)
(,  , ,  ) 
(Same subject as EC.770[J])
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units arranged [P/D/F]
TBA.
Opportunity for independent study under regular supervision by a staff member. Projects require prior approval, as well as a written proposal and final report. Students work with international community partners to continue developing projects, focusing on one or more issues in education, design, or public service. Final presentations and written reflection required. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 12 units.
Fall: Staff
IAP: Staff
Spring: Staff
Summer: Staff
No textbook information available
MAD.771[J] D-Lab: Field Study
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.700[J])
Prereq: One D-Lab subject and permission of instructor
Units arranged
Provides the opportunity to gain direct fieldwork experience in a global context. Subject spans three-four weeks in which students continue work from a prior D-Lab subject. Students work directly with international community partners to find solutions to real world problems, focusing on one or more issues in education, design, or public service. Group presentations and written reflection required.
S.L. Hsu
MAD.780[J] D-Lab: Independent Project
(New)
(, , , )
(Same subject as EC.780[J])
Prereq: None
Units arranged
TBA.
Opportunity for independent study under regular supervision by a staff member. Projects require prior approval, as well as a written proposal and final report. Students work with international community partners to continue developing projects, focusing on one or more issues in education, design, or public service. Final presentations and written reflection required. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 12 units.
Fall: Staff
IAP: Staff
Spring: Staff
Summer: Staff
No textbook information available
MAD.781[J] D-Lab: Development
(New)
()
(Same subject as 11.472[J], EC.781[J])
(Subject meets with 11.025[J], EC.701[J], MAD.701[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-2-7
Lecture: MW3.30-5 (N51-310) Lab: F3.30-5 (N51-310)
Issues in international development, appropriate technology and project implementation addressed through lectures, case studies, guest speakers and laboratory exercises. Students form project teams to partner with community organizations in developing countries, and formulate plans for an optional IAP site visit. (Previous field sites include Ghana, Brazil, Honduras and India.) Recitation sections focus on specific project implementation, and include cultural, social, political, environmental and economic overviews of the target countries as well as an introduction to the local languages. Enrollment limited by lottery; must attend first class session.
L. Hsu
No textbook information available
MAD.784[J] D-Lab: Smallholder Agriculture
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.784[J])
(Subject meets with EC.724[J], MAD.714[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-6
Explores solutions to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of food and agricultural systems involving smallholder farmers from low- and middle-income countries as the main producers. Lectures from industry and academic experts are paired with experiential learning at regional farms to explore innovative practices, building a system-level framework for incorporating smallholders into local and regional food systems. Project-based teamwork with global partners focuses on leveraging resources to enhance production, such as through pest reduction, appropriate irrigation technology, post-harvest refrigeration, or value chain/business/cooperative innovations. Optional international summer travel to project locations. Graduate students complete additional deliverables. Limited to 12.
E. McDonald, G. Sixt, K. Zheng
MAD.785[J] Humanitarian Innovation: Design for Relief, Rebuilding, and Recovery
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.785[J])
(Subject meets with EC.750[J], MAD.750[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 4-0-8
Lecture: TR1-3 (N51-350)
Explores the role innovation can and does play in how humanitarian aid is provided, and how it can impact people, products, and processes. Provides a fundamental background in the history and practice of humanitarian aid. Considers the various ways that design can be used to enhance aid, such as product and system design for affected populations, co-creation with affected populations, and capacity building to promote design by refugees and the displaced. Case studies and projects examine protracted displacement as well as recovery and resettlement, including efforts in Colombia, Lebanon, Nepal, Sudan, and Uganda. Potential for students to travel over the summer to partner communities.
A. Smith, M. Thompson
No textbook information available
MAD.789[J] D-Lab: Climate Change and Planetary Health
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.789[J])
(Subject meets with EC.719[J], MAD.719[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-4-5
Examines the current state and future projections of climate change and its effects on human, ecosystem, and planetary health, and develops solutions for these challenges. Class is project-based, student-focused, experiential, and transdisciplinary. Emphasizes nature- and community-based solutions, both local and global, with a focus on environmental and climate justice. Participation and teamwork are fundamental, as are experiential activities such as field trips to zero-carbon buildings and to sites undergoing rapid transformation. Working individually or in teams, students develop a term project on a climate change or planetary health solution of Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
S. Murcott, J. Simpson
MAD.790[J] D-Lab: Field Study
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.790[J])
Prereq: One D-Lab subject and permission of instructor
Units arranged
Provides the opportunity to gain direct fieldwork experience in a global context. Subject spans three-four weeks in which students continue work from a prior D-Lab subject. Students work directly with international community partners to find solutions to real world problems, focusing on one or more issues in education, design, or public service. Group presentations and written reflection required.
Staff
MAD.792[J] Applications of Energy in Global Development
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.782[J])
(Subject meets with 2.652[J], EC.712[J], MAD.712[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 4-0-8
Lecture: MW1-3 (N51-310)
Engages students in project-based learning in collaboration with D-Lab community partners to improve access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Teams work on off-grid energy projects addressing challenges in lighting, cooking, agricultural productivity, or other areas in collaboration with D-Lab community partners in developing countries. Project work includes assessment of user needs, technology identification, product design, prototyping, and development of implementation strategies to continue progress of ongoing projects. Optional IAP field visits may be available to test and implement the solutions developed during the semester. Students enrolled in the graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 20; preference to students who have taken EC.791.
Staff
No textbook information available
MAD.798[J] D-Lab: Gender and Development
(New)
()
(Same subject as EC.798[J])
(Subject meets with EC.718[J], MAD.768[J], WGS.277[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: W9.30-12.30 (N51-310)
Explores gender roles, illuminates the power dynamics and root causes of inequality, and provides a framework for understanding gender dynamics. Develops skills to conduct a gender analysis and integrate gender-sensitive strategies into large- and small-scale development solutions. Prompts critical discussion about social, economic, and political conditions that shape gender in development. Begins with exploration of international development in the post-colonial era, using a gender lens, then provides students with the tools to integrate gender-sensitive strategies into international development work, with a particular focus on launching, building and scaling women's ventures. Opportunities may be available for international fieldwork over IAP. Meets with 24.634 when offered concurrently. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 12; must attend first class session.
E. McDonald, S. Haslanger
No textbook information available
MAD.799[J] D-Lab: Design for Scale
(New)
()
(Same subject as 2.789[J], EC.797[J])
(Subject meets with 2.729[J], EC.729[J], MAD.729[J])
Prereq: None. Coreq: 2.008; or permission of instructor
Units: 3-2-7
Lecture: TR3.30-5 (N51-310) Lab: R2-3.30 (N51-310)
Explores the external factors affecting product development for people in low-resource settings in a project-based context. Students apply existing engineering skills in interdisciplinary teams to identify contextual limitations and develop previously established prototypes towards manufacturing-ready product designs for real-world project sponsors. Topics are presented within the context of the developing world and include technology feasibility and scalability assessment; value chain analysis; product specification; and manufacturing methodologies at various scales. Lessons are experiential and case study-based, taught by instructors with field experience and industry experts from product development consulting firms and the consumer electronics industry. Students taking graduate version complete additional written assignments.
M. Yang, M. Kenney, M. Aguesse
No textbook information available
MAD.800[J] DesignX Bootcamp
(New)
()
(Same subject as 4.245[J], 11.245[J])
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 4-0-2
Students in teams accepted to the MITdesignX accelerator begin work on their ventures in this intense two-week bootcamp. Participants identify the needs and problems that demonstrate the demand for their innovative technology, policy, products, and/or services. They research and investigate various markets and stakeholders pertinent to their ventures, and begin to test their ideas and thesis in real-world interviews and interactions. Subject presented in workshop format, giving teams the chance to jump-start their ventures together with a cohort of people working on ideas that span the realm of design, planning real estate, and the human environment. Registration limited to students accepted to the MITdesignX accelerator in the fall.
S. Gronfeldt
MAD.801[J] DesignX Accelerator
(New)
()
(Same subject as 4.246[J], 11.246[J])
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 2-4-6
Students continue to work in their venture teams to advance innovative ideas, products, and services oriented to design, planning, and the human environment. Presented in a workshop format with supplementary lectures. Teams are matched with external mentors for additional support in business and product development. At the end of the term, teams pitch their ventures to an audience from across the school and MIT, investors, industry, and cities. Registration limited to students accepted to the MITdesignX accelerator in the fall.
S. Gronfeldt
MAD.802[J] Entrepreneurship in the Built Environment
(New)
(); first half of term
(Same subject as 1.462[J], 11.345[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-4
Ends Oct 23. Lecture: W9-11 (W41-1401)
Introduction to entrepreneurship and how it shapes the world we live in. Through experiential learning in a workshop setting, students start to develop entrepreneurial mindset and skills. Through a series of workshops, students are introduced to the concept of Venture Design to create new venture proposals for the built environment as a method to understand the role of the entrepreneur in the fields of design, planning, real estate, and other related industries.
S. Gronfeldt
No textbook information available
MAD.804 Systems Change for Social Impact
(New)
()
Prereq: None
Units: 3-2-7
Lecture: T9-11 (W41-1401)
Explores the difference between innovation, social innovation, and systems change for social impact. Presents frameworks and case studies from real systems change innovators to develop a more comprehensive view of complex problems and the systems they are part of ? systems that often keep those problems in place. Using experiential tools, students explore problem framing from the impact target's perspective and innovative, scalable approaches to systems change. Final deliverable is a written case study on systems change based on detailed actor mapping and interviews where students share their deeper understanding of a system they care about.
S. Gronfeldt
No textbook information available
MAD.805 Designing Creative Ventures
(New)
(); first half of term
Prereq: None
Units: 2-0-4
 Subject Cancelled
Explores professional pathways in design, arts, and cultural practice through strategic, organizational, and economic lenses. Through lectures and labs, students engage with cultural management, international frameworks, and entrepreneurial tools while experimenting in crossovers where creative practice generates new forms of value for society and industry. Combines a value-based reading of cultural production with practical methods, preparing students to position their work in professional and market contexts with positive human impact.
S. Gronfeldt, G. Picchi
|
