(1) Bowling Social Tonight!
(2) Next in DI
(3) Education & Resources
(4) Opportunities & Events
Bowling Social! đł
Welcome back everyone đđˇđ We hope you all had an amazing & restful spring break! To make coming back to campus just a bit easier, join us tonight from 6-7pm in Union South for some bowling fun! Bowling lanes and shoe rentals are on usâcome ready to have fun :)
Next in DI
Wondering what DI has cooking for the remainder of the semester? Take a peak đ
Next Monday â Design Sprint Challenge
Join us next Monday, April 7th from 6â7pm for a hands-on design challenge! You'll help create a meaningful, hand-crafted symbol of appreciation for the Information School's experiential learning partners â a heartfelt thank-you for their time, knowledge, and contributions to student learning. You'll have full creative freedom to explore any shape, material, or tech. Together, we'll bring this thank-you to life, blending creativity, craft, and the spirit of gratitude.
April 21st â Networking & Interview Workshop
On Monday, April 21st, we'll cover how to build meaningful connections in the design industry, from casual conversations to professional networking events. You'll also learn best practices for preparing for design interviews, including portfolio presentations, case studies, whiteboard challenges, and common interview questions.
April 28th â End-of-Semester Event:
Each semester, DI hosts an end-of-semester event where our cohorts showcase their projects and the community comes together for an inspiring and engaging conversation. Last semester, we explored the theme of Transdisciplinary Collaboration â and this time, we're diving into Designing for Impact!
This semester, though, weâre switching things up. Instead of the usual panel and presentation format, weâve got something a little different planned. We wonât spoil the surprise just yet, but letâs just say⌠you might want to have your âpassportâ ready. Join us on Monday, April 28th from 5:00â7:00 PM for an exciting journey đ¤đ¤âď¸
Education & Resources
A Look Inside LEGOâs Digital Design Toolbox
Discover how LEGO leverages design thinking, user research, and cross-functional collaboration to evolve their digital design tools. This article offers a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the worldâs most iconic brands creates meaningful digital play experiences.
ADPList
ADPList is a free mentorship platform for designers (and other creatives). You can book 1-on-1 video calls with experienced designers from companies like Google, Meta, or startups to get advice, portfolio feedback, career tips, or just chat about the design industry. It's a way to learn directly from people who are already doing the work you want to do.
UW Design Lab
Do you need help with design projects for class? DesignLab offers free one-on-one digital design tutoring for UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff! Get help with all of your digital projects, including presentations, posters, videos, audio, websites/blogs, infographics, and more!
Upcoming Opportunities & Events!
Lasercutting with Ely Rendon in the Digital Fabrication Lab
Tomorrow from 3-6pm in 3190 in Nancy Nicholas Hall, join PhD student Ely Rendon for a lasercutting workshop in the Digital Fabrication Lab. In this beginner friendly class, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of rapid prototyping and vector software tools, using them to create felt plant hangers, paper pop-ups, and MDF cut-outs.
Design Field Notes: Eleanor Mayes, Designer for LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
This Wednesday, April 2nd at 12:00pm CST over Zoom, hear from Eleanor Mayesâa designer at the Media & Accessible Design Lab (MADLab) at the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. With a background in materials engineering and accessible design, she creates tactile media that furthers accessibility by augmenting the information landscape.
Wood Flower Carving Workshop with Derek Brabender
This Thursday, April 3rd from 3:00-4:30pm in the Link in Nancy Nicholas Hall, stop by for a drop-in wood carving workshop led by Derek Brabender. In this all-levels workshop, youâll learn to carve a wooden flower using locally harvested red osier dogwood.
Design Horizon: Focus on the Forest Symposium and Showcase
On Monday, April 21st from 10:00am-2:00pm, join the MS Design + Innovation (MD+I) program for a showcase of their capstone project: a collaboration with Menominee Tribal Enterprises and Massive Change Network. The event and will feature talks by partners from Menominee Tribal Enterprises and Life-Centered Designer Bruce Mau.
Volunteer with the Play Make Learn Conference
Want to strengthen your skills in marketing, event planning, or teamwork? Interested in networking with creatives & innovators? Join the Play Make Learn Conference as a volunteer! The conference will happen in late August, but they would love your help planning now! The theme this year âBreaking and Mending,â and is an excellent time with a vibrant arts/design/maker community and a healthy smattering of researchers, all coming together around playful education. Learn more about the Play Make Learn Conference.
Thatâs all for now! đď¸đ
We hope to see you next Monday from 6-7pm in the iSchool Room 4191F for our Design Sprint Challenge!