The Innovation Diploma Program is a selective, application-based four-year program at Mount Vernon School that trades a portion of traditional coursework for sustained design briefs developed with actual companies, government agencies, and nonprofits — not case studies. Progress is measured by growth and mastery rather than conventional grades.
The projects have forced me to work differently from the shop, because the constraints come from real people and organizations. In each case, the job was to understand what the partner actually needed, define the problem, work within real constraints, develop a solution, and explain the thinking behind it.
Selected Briefs
Coldwell Banker
- Worked as a designer of a senior living community in Warner Robins, Georgia.
- Conducted empathy interviews, focused on user-based design principles to gather information.
- Interacted with and interviewed numerous experts in city planning and zoning, and senior living.
- Designed detailed 3D models of houses and other senior living buildings for 3D printing. Required collaboration with aesthetic designers to maximize manufacturing potential and aesthetic appeal.
- Worked with Fusion 360, UltiMaker Cura, and 3D printing technology.
Opendoor
- Worked as a software developer for a local door distribution hub.
- Used early versions of ChatGPT and its associated API to generate code that could analyze floor plans to extract information on the number of doors needed and other data. Used advanced programming tools such as Jupyter and Anaconda.
- Conducted empathy interviews, focused on user-based design principles to gather information.
- Gained important skills in Python, AI integration, and prompt engineering.
Verizon Satellites
- Worked with a student-led team to understand and design solutions to mitigate the threat posed by Starlink entering the terrestrial telecom network.
- Used Design Thinking protocols:
- Conducted empathy interviews with all stakeholders
- Focused on user-based design principles to gain expertise
- Iterated our prototypes for highest fidelity
- Conducted extensive research on the mechanics and advantages of various telecommunications systems.
- Worked effectively with student-led team members on highly technical subjects to satisfy client needs.
- Presented solutions to Verizon C-Suite executives.