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Design Streak Studio

Design Streak Studio is a research based social innovation lab focusing on human-centered service design. Striving to facilitate an interdisciplinary environment promoting discovery and experimentation, Design Streak Studio engages in experiential and service learning.

In collaboration with various organizations, Design Streak Studio-lab combines the process of design thinking and making—conducting ethnographic research and collecting quantitative data to create new and authentic solutions to society’s complex problems. The studio-lab is committed to producing solutions of exceptional quality, and embracing design aesthetics to find a balance between form and function. Each project is valued for providing long term sustainability with a strong emphasis on morality and social justice.

 

History

Design Streak Studio was established in 1981 by Associate Professor Pam Tannura, who was succeeded by Associate Professor Julie Johnson from 2005 to 2015. The studio-lab is currently lead by Associate Professor Archana Shekara.

Collaborations

Since 1981, Design Streak Studio has been collaborating with multiple organizations and sharing design success—engaging with the community through new collaborations and partnerships each semester. The studio-lab charges a nominal fee for projects, and the revenue generated is used to fund field trips and conferences for designers. One pro bono project is accepted each semester, upholding Illinois State’s core values of Collaboration, Civic Engagement and Respect.

Projects

Client List

  • Autism McLean, Bloomington-Normal, IL 
  • Bloomington ReStore, Habitat for Humanity of McLean County, Bloomington, IL
  • BN Welcoming, Bloomington-Normal, IL
  • City of Atlanta, IL
  • Council for Teacher Education, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
  • Department of History, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
  • Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
  • Fossil Free ISU, Normal, IL
  • Horticulture Center, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
  • Illinois Art Station, Normal, IL
  • Labyrinth Made Goods, YWCA, Bloomington, IL
  • McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington, IL
  • Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, IL
  • Normal Public Library, Normal, IL
  • Not In Our Town/School, Bloomington-Normal, IL
  • The Refuge Food Forest, Normal, IL
  • Solar Car Team, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
  • TEDX Normal, IL
  • College of Education, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
  • Walking with My Ancestors Project, Bloomington-Normal, IL
  • West Market Street Council, Bloomington, IL
  • Women’s and Gender Studies, Illinois State University, Normal, IL