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Matthew B

- Research Program Mentor

MFA at Rhode Island School of Design

Expertise

Graphic design, data science, sustainability, participatory design, information design, sound design, film making, photography, creative writing, user experience design

Bio

I am a multidisciplinary designer, musician, and researcher working in the area of ecology, landscape, and sustainability. My research focuses on participatory and playful approaches to sensing, mapping, communicating, and understanding complex environmental systems for the purpose of sustainable development and decision-making, making use of both quantitative data and "warm data" (stories, experiences, ect). I am especially interested in working with students who want to cross the boundary between design, art, and science in order to create impact-driven and storytelling projects that respond to the local needs of communities and the environment. A particular emphasis is in incorporating perspectives from the more-than-human world (animals and plants), as well as voices from the historically marginalized communities. I am an adjunct Professor at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Northeastern University where I teach in regenerative design and storytelling, including skills like sound design, graphic design, photography, film making, data science, and creative writing. I was mentored in sound design and music production by Bradley Zero, founder of London-based Rhythm Section International and DJ at NTS Radio. I am an active member of ETH Zurich’s Designing Resilient Regenerative Systems group, TB21–Academy’s Ocean/UNI, and the Yale Forest Forum. On the side, I makes music, visual art, and photographs. I love movement and the outdoors and you will most likely find me playing tennis, running, doing yoga, hiking, or sailing.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Storytelling for Impact (Presentation)

We will learn how to create a clear and compelling visual presentation or pitch-deck for your academic research or business idea. We will consider design elements such as typography, form, color, scale, custom infographic design, and imagery while shaping a narrative for your intended audience. We will also discuss brand identity and you will practice your public speaking skills.

Storytelling for Impact (Sound Design)

In this project we will create an audio podcast for a social impact cause of your choice. The theme could be, for example, ocean conservation, land use, food, heritage, fashion, or cultural memory. After researching the issue extensively, you will then express you own viewpoint through the medium of sound. You will learn how to weave elements such as voice, environmental sounds, and music together to create an emotional and immersive narrative soundscape. The end result could be a sound story or podcast series which inspires action and awareness around your selected sustainability theme.

Storytelling for Impact (Information Design)

In this project we will create a custom information design for a social impact cause of your choice. After researching the issue extensively, you will then express you own viewpoint through the format of information design. This will challenge you to portray complex information clearly and creatively to an intended audience. We will source appropriate data, analyze it, storyboard visualization concepts, and develop a custom information graphic or a series of them. The end result could be a digital image or poster which inspires action and awareness around your selected sustainability theme. We will also discuss themes like "greenwashing" and how to avoid it.

Storytelling for Impact (Photo Series)

Through this project you will create a custom photo series for a social impact cause. First pick a local or global sustainability issue that is focused on sustainability and impact. After researching the issue extensively, you will then learn to express you own viewpoint through the medium of photography. Through this project we will discuss strategies for photographic research, developing a strong concept, shooting tips, image composition, and image editing. The end result could be a digital or printed photographic series which inspires action and awareness around your selected sustainability theme.

Coding skills

HTML, CSS, Python

Teaching experience

Part time professor at Rhode Island School of Design and Northeastern University. I have taught classes in the fields of art, design, data science, and sustainability. I have been a teaching assistant for several years at the collegiate undergraduate level at institutions like Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Classes I have TAed include Engineering 101, Machine Learning and Design, and Design Studio 3.

Credentials

Education

University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth
BS Bachelor of Science (2015)
Electrical Engineering
Brown University
MS Master of Science (2018)
Data Science
Rhode Island School of Design
MFA Master of Fine Arts (2021)
Graphic Design

Completed Projects

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