NuVuX Design Studio Creations Provide Glimpse of Learning Journey

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Shoenami. Kids Mist. Alarm It.  The first Episcopal NuVuX Design Studio projects are complete.  The process required weeks of brainstorming, designing, creating prototypes, testing and for some, re-evaluating the plan altogether.  Students unveiled their creations this week in a studio showcase before teachers, staff and visitors.

A NuVu assignment seems to be as much about the journey as it is about the end product.  This was clear as students discussed how they got from their initial idea to their final iteration.  The process required research, discussions with experts, planning, multiple iterations and many revisions.  The experience, which helped students boost their problem solving skills and resilience, and sharpened their strategic thinking abilities, was considerably more than just creating a solution for a challenge.  For example, one student was able to discuss the median nerve of the hand as a result of research into how to fish properly to prevent injury.  Another team met with a New Balance representative and studied foot motion and pressure points to help in the design of a minimalist running shoe.  When planning an alarm that would alert sports enthusiasts that they are becoming overheated, a team had to learn more about the threshold for actually being overheated.

The students’ concepts were thoughtful and impactful.  When thinking about helpful tools for children with cerebral palsy one team brainstormed about what they like to do that may be difficult for others.  After mulling it over the duo came up with the Geaux Threaux, a device that attaches to a wheelchair to allow a child to throw a ball with the push of a button.  A simple and effective way to share the joy and excitement of playing catch.
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NuVuX was created by MIT graduates Saeed Arida, Saba Ghole and David Wang.  The program is based on the architectural studio and geared around multidisciplinary, collaborative projects. There is a full time school in Cambridge, Massachusetts for middle and high school students, in addition to the NuVuX program, which is offered locally at Episcopal.  Studio students are presented with open-ended questions or challenges and asked to identify innovative tools or processes to solve them or improve upon them while working in collaborative groups. Each studio features equipment including a laser cutter, 3D printers, a vinyl cutter, a workshop and even a sewing machine and fully stocked electronics cabinet to help students make their designs a reality.  

The full experience of the NuVuX process provides hands-on, innovative learning opportunities on a range of topics.  The knowledge gained in the pursuit of the final iteration will hopefully remain with the students long after the showcase is complete.  What an amazing opportunity for high school students!
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To learn more about the Episcopal projects click here. ​