Designing for Good

With the holiday season a month gone, the scramble to finish Christmas shopping or plan family events are comfortably in the past.  We may be struggling with the weather, but at least we don’t have to dash out to the store for those Daniel Green slippers we forgot to buy for Aunt Louisa. 

Thinking back to December, a group of college students found themselves in their own scramble:  they had an assignment for a class and once completed, the effort wouldn’t only result in a final grade.  They didn’t know it at the time, but they would end up getting much more in return than they gave.

Mary Russell is a graphic arts professor at Robert Morris University.  This past quarter, she has been teaching freshmen and decided to challenge them with a unique project.  The assignment was to create a project – as a group – that resulted in something that benefited the community.

Usually, students step into an art class and are expected to create a design projects that will highlight their own individual talents, and will ultimately take a prominent place in their final portfolios.  The opportunity Ms. Russell placed before them was one that required them to not only work as a team, but to also take their own egos and personal gain completely out of the picture.

The results were amazing.  In just three weeks, the students came up with the idea of creating a coloring book for kids. Their intended organization was Ronald McDonald House. Each student created a page and together they compiled a book called “Holiday Rascals.”  They all agree that the process was just as important as the final product.

“Learning and working with the Illustrator program really mimicked what we would do in a design firm,” said one student.  They started out with a bit of chaos, “but once we figured out our roles, it all came together.” 

Team projects are instrumental in the learning experience at Robert Morris.  Sometimes the team clicks instantly – other times it doesn’t.  One person may do most of the work or another doesn’t seem to make his or her deadlines.  Most teams look for strengths and talents in their members.  The best experiences are when everyone helps one another and can ultimately take pride in the best result.

The group managed to get the project completed before Christmas.  They worked with the copy center at RMU and had 100 copies ready for the kids at Ronald McDonald House by December 23.  “They were very happy with the gift,” added Ms. Russell.  “It was another small but appreciated item for the kids to find on Christmas morning.”