Envisioning an Anti-Racist World Design Challenge

In the tumultuous summer of 2020, Ryan co-created the Envisioning an Anti-Racist World Design Challenge at the University of Michigan alongside colleagues from U-M’s Center for Academic Innovation, Extended Reality (XR) Initiative, Arts Initiative, Center for Socially Engaged Design and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This unique and innovative program drew 60 students from 17 of the 19 schools and colleges at Michigan, as well as students from U-M Dearborn, U-M Flint and students enrolled in online master’s degree programs.

With a curriculum built on design thinking principles through Innovation in Action with a special focus on anti-racism, students worked in interdisciplinary teams on a variety of exciting project proposals, gained in-depth knowledge of ethical and equitable design principles, and participated in roundtable discussions with leaders from the University community, local nonprofit organizations and businesses. The semester-long effort culminated with a Final Showcase held in Gather.Town, where $28,000 of prizes were awarded to the winning teams.