The Modern College of Design
The Modern College of Design offers an Associate Degree of Applied Business in Design and recently introduced their bachelor’s degree, known as the Design Leadership Program (DLP). Their educational service is known for its transformation of students into world-leading designers.
Dropout rates at the Modern are higher than desired. Why? A high schooler’s transition from highschool to college causes a transition from dependent to independent living. What can make this a more encouraging and easier transition for a first-year Modern student coming from a communicative, relatable, and familiar space to a foreign place full of different expectations?
Project Outline
THE PROBLEM
First-year students at the Modern culturally seclude themselves due to their lack of technological knowledge, lack of communication skills, and time management. They find difficulty balancing school projects with outside activities with family, friends, work, and other factors. The result is an intense feeling of imposter-syndrome and seclusion which results in overwhelming stress, failure of class(es), or dropping out of the program.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This project is to create a better student experience for first-year students during their first semester.
PROJECT GOALS
Our end goal is to improve the Modern experience for first-years by easing their transition from high school to college through a DLP mentorship. This will help improve communication skills, time management skills, and program/design knowledge.
PROCESSES UTILIZED
The design thinking process: research, define the problem, ideate, prototype, and user testing were all followed within this case study. We used programs such as InVision, Sims, and Google Forms to collect results.
MY ROLE
This project included three people on our team, including myself. My responsibilities as team lead was delegating and organizing tasks, engaging the team in ideas and setting deadlines. My niche in the design process was the Research and Define the Problem stages. I also encouraged the team to stay true to the research for a real solution throughout this project.
TIMELINE
April 2020 – Introduce program to DLP students.
May 2020 to July 2020 – Cue postcards for accepted associate’s students. Personal message from DLP students.
Wednesday, Aug 26 – DLP last day to be a ‘big.’
Friday, Aug 28 – Associate’s last day to sign up to be a ‘small.’
Thursday, Sept 3rd – First official meeting.
Want to See More?
View the entire design thinking process for the Modern College of Design.