Master of Tangible Interaction Design
Philosophy
We are amidst a radical transformations of our physical and built world – the pervasive computing revolution. Everyday objects, from shoes to ships are embedded with sensors and are networked as nodes in the internet. New materials – sensing elastopolymers, electroluminescent wire and surfaces, thermochromic dyes – are also part of the new landscape of “stuff” with which we make and build. And the means of manufacture are also changing rapidly, with mass-customization and local production that laser and water-jet cutters and three-dimensional printers are making possible.
Innovative and entrepreneurial makers of tomorrow won’t see a world divided by disciplinary boundaries. The things they make, the people they work with, the processes they manage lead them to see the world as a designer does: as systems to be organized and integrated. Through broad exploration they see patterns in the work they do across traditional disciplines. Tangible Interaction Designers feel at home in the arts, humanities, science, engineering, and mathematics. They see these not as specialties to select but as sources of knowledge for their work.
Master of Tangible Interaction Design (MTID), Carnegie Mellon University from Emma Davison on Vimeo.
Structure
The Master of Tangible Interaction Design program is a three- or four- semester program at Carnegie Mellon University centered around new computational technologies in making. The program serves two distinct groups: those with significant engineering and/or computer science knowledge who wish to master design or artistic skills, and those with significant design, art, or architecture experience who wish to master technological means of making.
The scope of study in the mTID program is broad, including digital fabrication, analog and digital electronics, media and materials, and computer programming. Students attend design and technology courses and a studio where they apply these skills. Students also read and discuss the literature of this emerging field in a seminar course.
Core Faculty
The core faculty represent a growing group who oversee or participate in the mTID program. They teach and conduct research in diverse departments at CMU and bring a wide range of talents and viewpoints to the program.
In addition to welcoming mTID students in their department’s courses, these faculty members contribute to the mTID program by joining design reviews, and serving as informal advisors to mTID students.
Class
The mTID program is an intensive three-semester program; each semester includes a studio course in which you design and make interactive objects and environments. The studio is complemented with selected courses to build skills in areas outside your strengths. Rounding things out is a seminar/reading course to provide opportunities for reflection.
For more information, see the Curriculum HERE
FAQ
We’re looking for self-motivated, creative people from all disciplines who want to broaden their skills and experiences and learn to make interactive things. If you’re an artsy type we expect you’ll learn to program and build electronics. If you’re a technical type, we expect you’ll learn design process and develop your craft. No matter what your background, we expect that you’ll be interested in the larger issues that frame this emerging area.
We think so. There’s a growing need for people with the sorts of skills that you can acquire in the mTID program. Here you will learn both the particular skills of tangible interaction design and the ability to work across the boundaries of design and technology.
Summer 2011:
Huaishu Peng was an intern at Microsoft Research Asia.
Shawn Sims worked at DeepLocal and notcot
Eric Brockmeyer worked at Disney Research and CMU’s dFab Lab.
Kuanju Wu worked at TellArt.
Rita Shewbridge is working at Anthrotronix and taking a workshop at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
I’m a technical type with no design or art skills, is that okay?
Yes! We’re looking for an interesting mix of people with different skills and backgrounds. Technical types have great backgrounds and experiences that they can share with other students.
I’m an designer or artsy type with no technical skills, is that okay?
Yes! We’re looking for an interesting mix of people with different skills and backgrounds. Designers and artsy types have great backgrounds and experiences that they can share with other students.
Why is this program in the School of Architecture?
Architecture draws on many different disciplines, with the central expertise in designing things at all scales. The School of Architecture at CMU is proud to host this innovative program that spans the entire range of tangible interaction design.
What does the program cost? Do you offer financial aid?
Tuition for the 2011/12 year is $34,165. For financial aid please see the School of Architecture’s FAQ page .
How to Apply
To apply to the Master of Tangible Interaction Design program, please use the School of Architecture’s Graduate Application Form.
Contact Us
For questions about the mTID program, please write to Mark D Gross at mdgross@cmu.edu or write any of our students. For general information about the School of Architecture, see http://www.arc.cmu.edu. For general information about Carnegie Mellon University, see http://www.cmu.edu.