Illinois Mobile App Master Calendar

NCSA will host Deana McDonagh, Professor of Industrial Design and Director of the (dis)Ability Design Studio at the U. of I., on Thursday, January 29 at 2 p.m. CT as part of the NCSA Colloquium Series.

Title: Supra-functionality: Designing Technology with Empathy

Abstract: This presentation examines a collaborative initiative between NCSA and the (dis)Ability Design Studio, illustrating the integration of empathic principles within design practice. Empathic design seeks to address both functional and supra-functional requirements, the latter encompassing cultural, social, emotional and aspirational dimensions. A singular emphasis on functional performance can generate systemic imbalances, frequently manifesting in product abandonment, underutilization, or inappropriate use.

Deana McDonagh is a Professor of Industrial Design in the School of Art and Design and founder of the (dis)Ability Design Studio at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the U. of I. She is a Health Innovation Professor at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and an Empathic Design Research Strategist focusing on enhancing the quality of life for all by developing more intuitive and meaningful products, ultimately leading to emotional sustainability.

The NCSA Colloquium Series, “The Future of Computing,” brings leaders and visionaries in computational and data science, advanced cyberinfrastructure and interdisciplinary science and education to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This series aims to enlighten and spark innovation among researchers and students of all disciplines.