ACADEMIA *

ACADEMIA *

Creating future superheroes

In innovation theory, one of the three most important structures for the adoption of new ideas is the education system. We have the capability to create the paradigm shift necessary for a more resilient future through the designers of the future. I have a conviction that the core tenets for socially-sustainable change lies in our ability to meet the moment through design education. For this reason, my teaching philosophy is student-centered and inspired by nature, with each class representing an opportunity to practice my skills as a design professional and to instill new ways of thinking about social impact in the innovators of the future.

  • PD 3320 | Design for Viability

    MCAD SP21

    A product design course with an emphasis on ecological sustainability. Students gained an overview of various sustainability frameworks, such as circular product design, Living Product Design, and systems thinking, and applied them in the context of product design.

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  • PDES 2772 | Design for Social Invisibility

    UMN SP22

    How might we design for the historically invisible and marginalized? Students in this course are asked to take into consideration pain and injury in the study of human factors and ergonomics in product design for those who work tirelessly to provide the services we’ve come to rely on for daily life.

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  • PDES 2772 | Design for OCD

    UMN SP22

    Using their empathy and human-centered design skills, students apply what they’ve learned to designing first-of-their-kind design proposals in the treatment of youth experiencing OCD. This is the culmination of work over a 5-week sprint, using ethnographic research techniques, systems thinking, and design thinking.

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The student as the expert.

I choose to see students as my future collaborators - I understand that many of my students will hold a perspective on the world and its increasing problems that is wholly different than mine. Often, opportunities for innovation are changing so fast due to technological advances and an ever increasingly connected world in turmoil that we are finding that our approaches must become nimble to accommodate the stressors of the transition economy.

Upcoming Classes

  • Offered at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Fall 2022

    In spite of the many products, services, and experiences now provided via digital devices, product designers still require fundamental knowledge of tangible materials and the means to shape them. From raw materials to finished products, students will learn to identify and understand the materials and processes used to make familiar products. The manufacturing portion introduces students to the materials and processes used in mass production. In particular, the course will focus on how to design for each material and manufacturing processes (design for manufacturability).The class includes field trips to local manufacturers, and independent research.

    Prerequisites: Digital Visualization, any Product Design or Furniture studio course, or faculty permission

  • Offered at University of Minnesota Product Design, Fall 2022

    This class is a hands-on introduction to physical model making, as well as interactive prototyping tools and techniques. Through a series of projects students will gain experience of building product models with different materials and tools, and learn principles of form and function, 3D design, interactive prototyping with Arduino, and design critique.

An assumption of strength.

Ultimately, the combination of my approaches come from a deeply held belief that we as a culture are transitioning into a new era where education must evolve to adapt to rapid changes happening in product development. I contribute to my classroom as a facilitator - teaching students the tools and soft skills to diversify their talents and skills to tackle these challenges head on with resiliency. I believe that with this assumption of strength, each student is able to meet the challenges of the classroom, knowing their skills and experience are relevant and needed after our work together.

"I wanted to directly reach out and let you know how impactful Quynh's teaching has been for me and others. I have never met a teacher more empathetic and inspiring than Quynh."

"I wanted to directly reach out and let you know how impactful Quynh's teaching has been for me and others. I have never met a teacher more empathetic and inspiring than Quynh."

“Just want to extend a huge THANK YOU for this semester. Your studio course was by far the most valuable I’ve encountered in the program and easily my favorite, as well. Your energy, curriculum, knowledge, and support made this class incredibly successful."

“Just want to extend a huge THANK YOU for this semester. Your studio course was by far the most valuable I’ve encountered in the program and easily my favorite, as well. Your energy, curriculum, knowledge, and support made this class incredibly successful."

"I've never had a class where every single student was fond of their teacher until Quynh. Ze was able to be caring while also inspiring us to want to get our assignments in and do better. Everyone wanted to make Quynh proud and we all learned a lot from zir."

"I've never had a class where every single student was fond of their teacher until Quynh. Ze was able to be caring while also inspiring us to want to get our assignments in and do better. Everyone wanted to make Quynh proud and we all learned a lot from zir."

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING