I do not have access to the full article or other students' responses to comment on. Could you please provide a summary of the key points from the article and/or discussion question to help generate a response?

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 – American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
IA-JE TSAI
Figure 1https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-illustration-diversity-
graphic-design-vector-illustration-concept-icon-eps-image71568560

2. Hello, everyone!
My name is IA-JE TSAI. I was born and raised in Taiwan, then
moved to Long Island, NY with my family four years ago. I am
currently a nursing student in UB, I think this course offers me a
perfect opportunity to understand the diversity and design in-
depth; moreover, this course influences my way of thinking, it
helps me to look at things from different perspectives and
improve my critical thinking skill. As a future healthcare
provider, it is extremely important to understand the diversity
issues such as gender, race, religious background, economic
status, and physical ability, we need to take all the factors into
consideration to design a suitable treatment for each patient.
The following pages document my responses to the online
discussion questions in the Spring 2017 version of ARC 211
American Diversity and Design at the University at Buffalo –
State University of New York.
Figure 2Photo by WeiYang Chen

3. Response to "What is design?" from Hello World
On “What is design?” from Hello World: Where Design Meets Life by Alice RawsthronThe author opened
her chapter with the example of Ying Zheng, the ruler of the Qin empire, one of the most powerful and
enduring empires I the history of China. She explained how design innovation contributed to Ying
Zheng’s success. For example, in the development of weaponry, he resolved many problems by
standardizing parts, and this single innovation gave his armies great advantage over other armies. For
this discussion, let’s move away from 246 B.C. China, and into the U.S. Describe an innovation or
invention (can be current or historical) that gave an advantage to a group of people in the U.S. or to the
population as a whole. What were the social impacts of this innovation? Were any groups negatively
impacted by this innovation? For example, the telegraph developed and patented in the United States in
1837 by Samuel Morse, permitted people and commerce to transmit messages across both continents and
oceans almost instantly, with widespread social and economic impacts. This heightened communication
speed allowed business persons to make decisions with up-to-date information, often resulting in big
profits. Those without access had to rely on out-dated information, which put them at a disadvantage.
Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, was invented in the 1960s and used as a treatment of bacterial
infections. Antibiotics soon became the most revolutionized
medicine during the late 20th century and created a huge social
impact because it was so effective that it's able to kill almost 100% of
the bacterias. However, the overuse of antibiotics also causes negative
social impact- it increases the probability for bacteria to evolve into
resistance forms that are resistant to most of the antibiotics called
"Superbug1," making common infections difficult to treat.
1
Kelli, M. “Superbugs: What they are and Why you get them,” http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20150417/superbugs-what-they-are#1 Accessed
on May 1,2017
Figure 3(http://www.newsmax.com/Health/Health-News/US-MED-Antibiotic-
Overuse/2016/01/18/id/709941/)

4. Response to "Introduction" from Diversity and Design
On “Introduction” from Diversity and Design: Understanding Hidden Consequences. The editors state
that “diverse participation in the design process, from both professionals and public citizens alike, yields
more equitable results.” This makes sense but typically has not been the case. Nonetheless, many
marginalized groups have impacted design in ways that have changed our visual and physical worlds as
well as our systems, policies, and institutions. For example, in the 1960s, disability rights advocates
designed media events to raise awareness about barriers in the physical environment. They persisted
with their efforts for decades, and, finally, in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. It
mandated accessibility in public accommodations such as restaurants and stores, public transportation,
communication, and other areas of public life. This dramatically changed our physical environment
(from curb cuts to ramps to automatic doors) and the results made public life more equitable.Now it’s
your turn. Describe a design that was impacted by a diversity group. How and why did it change form
and/or circumstances?
The first thing that comes to my mind that's impacted by a
diversity group in the United States is the AMBER ALERT. Amber
alert is named after a little girl, Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped
and murdered in Texas. Her death shocked the nation and people
realized that it's necessary to build a system to report missing children;
therefore, Amber Alert2, a child abduction alert system was designed in
the United States in 1996. The Amber Alert utilizes the social media and
technologies such as text messages, television, radio to widely spread
the information of the missing children and abductor; for example, the
color or plate number of the car. Therefore, people can report to the
police immediately when they see anyone suspicious which can increase the chance to find the missing child greatly.
2
Anica, P. “Amber Alert,” http://kdvr.com/2017/04/30/amber-alert-white-2012-toyota-tundra-with-co-plate-rdq126/ Accessed on May 1, 2017.
Figure 4http://www.modernluxury.com/san-francisco/story/explainer-
why-did-my-cell-phone-get-amber-alert

5. Response to Media/Society Chapter and TED Talk on Photographs
Where would you place the images shown in Photos That Changed the World into Croteau and Hoynes'
diagram entitled “Model of Media and the Social World”? Identify a mass media photograph taken in
your own lifetime that has served as an icon of an event. (Feel free to add an attachment.) What roles
does this photo play in the communication of the event?
In my opinion, I would put the images shown
in Photos that Changed the World under the category of Media
Message or Product. Those photographs are widely produced
and distributed to audiences. Furthermore, when it comes to
photographing, the first thing that comes to my mind is The
Starving of Sudan3 which was photographed by Kevin Carter
and published by The New York Times. This photograph was
taken during the second Sudanese civil war, millions of people
were starving, in the photo, the little girl was trying to reach the
United States feeding center in South Sudan, while a vulture
eyeing her from behind. The image shocked the society and
won the picture of the year award. Moreover, the image can
also be considered as a "reminder" t the society which reminds
us that the starvation problem is still occurring in other countries, so we should feel blessed and do our best to help as
many people as we can.
3
Kevin, C. “Starving Child and Vlture,” http://100photos.time.com/photos/kevin-carter-starving-child-vulture Accessed on May 1, 2017
Figure 5http://100photos.time.com/photos/kevin-carter-starving-child-vulture

6. Response to Articles on Hats as Communication Design
Thread 2: FROM: “Fashioning Protest for the Women’s March on Washington” and “The Worst Design of
2016 Was Also the Most Effective.Typically, we do not think of hats as elements of mass media or social
media. However, the two hats (red and pink) discussed in the articles certainly have taken on that role.
Why are the two hats (red and pink) mentioned in the articles vehicles of communication design? What
meanings does each of the two hats carry? In terms of communication design, how are they similar? And
how are they different from one another?
In my opinion, the two hats in the article both serve as
symbols for two different political events; furthermore, they are
the "vehicles" of communication design which "transport" and
express their ideas to other people. The red hat represents Donald
Trump's political idea of "Make America Great Again," moreover,
Trump's followers also show their support by wearing the red
hats; on the other hand, the pink color and the pattern
of pussyhat4 represents "female," people wear the pink hat in the
Women's March in Washington to reminds people of women's
political rights. In addition, another fun fact of red hat is that you
can actually find the "Official Donald Trump Make America Great
Again Red Hat" online for 25$ each, and the product description
says "The only place to purchase the official red hat as worn by Trump
himself;" on the other hand, most of the pink hats were handmade by
the supporters.
4
Krista, S and Jayna, Z. “PussyHat Project,” https://www.pussyhatproject.com/our-story/ Accessed on May 1,2017
Figure 6http://enoughroom.blogspot.com/2015/08/donald-trump-
un-politician-not-from.html

7. Response to “Industrial Design” by John Heskett and "The Incredible Inventions of Intuitive AI" by
Maurice Conti
In his chapter on industrial design (written in 1987), historian John Heskett claims that the methods of
mass production introduced by Henry Ford in the U.S. involved new concepts of the standardization and
integration of the production line that were adopted across the world. With Ford’s method, work could
be completed by relatively unskilled workers; it was more efficient and with this method, products were
made more quickly and cheaply than previously possible. What were some of the social consequences of
Ford’s production line? In other words, how did this system change our U.S. society? Do any of those
changes remain with us today? Now consider Maurice Conti’s TED Talk, and the predictions he makes
about production. How do you think manufacturing processes will change in the next twenty years? How
do you think these changes will affect our U.S. society?
Ford's generation of the mass production and assembly
line5 have impacted the U.S. society deeply. It improved the
quality of the product due to standardized materials and
minimized the costs. Moreover, it created hundreds and
thousands of job opportunities for Americans, and they just need
to simply take care of their parts of the assembly line, therefore it
also creates a problem that many people who work in this mass production or assembly line
system are actually unskilled. After reading Conti's TE D TALK, I hope the manufacturing
system will be more sustainable in the future; furthermore, I believe that maybe in twenty
years there is no such thing as "human labor," all of them are going to be replaced by AI
(robots), it could be a serious social problem because many people are going to lose their jobs.
5
History.com Staff, “Ford’s assembly line starts rolling,” http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/fords-assembly-line-starts-rolling Accessed on May 1, 2017
Figure
7https://r2blog.com/2012/02/23/should-
we-look-for-gnu-new-ways/ford-
assembly-line-copy/

8. Response IDEA Awards and Cradle-to-Cradle Video
Which of the 2016 IDEA Gold Award products seems to defy the Cradle-to-Cradle concept developed by
architect William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart? How does this product resist or
disregard the concept? Do you know of any products that embrace Cradle-to-Cradle design? If so, please
describe.
The Cradle-To-Cradle is an idea which uses all materials in a
continuous cycle, the goal is to minimize the materials waste and
allow for recycling. However, in the 2016 IDEA Gold Award
products, many of them seem to defy the C2C concept. For
example, the car "Mini Clubman," which is also designed by
BMW Group, features premium quality and craftsmanship in
every detail; however, it doesn't have any improvement in fuel
economy or reduction of emission; therefore the MINI
Clubman doesn't fulfill the concept of C2C.
On the other hand, the "HUBB Lifetime Oil Filter" is a good example
that embraces the C2C design. HUBB oil filter is different from
regulating filter in mainly two different ways: First, it is a lifetime
"reusable" oil filter on any vehicle for more than 50 years, unlike the
regular oil filter, according to the article, there are 400 million
regular oil filters are thrown away every year in the U.S., it could
cause a serious environment pollution if those filters don't get
handled properly. Second, another important feature of the HUBB oil
filter is that it can reduce oil flow back, therefore increase
fuel efficiency directly. That means we can also reduce the usage of
gas if we switch to HUBB oil filters. The designers of HUBB filters
do consider the impact to our environment, therefore it fulfills the
concept of C2C.
Figure
8http://www.idsa.org/awards/idea/gallery?combine=oil&field_idea_category
_tid=All&field_year_value=All&field_idea_award_level_value=All

9. Response to All Module 4 Materials
Your readings and viewings this week present different ways of thinking about architecture. Mies Van
der Rohe describes architecture as “The will of the epoch translated into space.” Andrew Ballantyne
describes architecture as the background for life. Jeanne Gang describes it as the act of building
relationships. All agree that architecture can change based on context and culture. Choose two works of
architecture from any of your materials this week—one with sensibilities about the past and one with
sensibilities about the present and/or future. How does each of these buildings either reflect or challenge
their cultural contexts?
The first work of architecture that I am going to discuss is
the Virginia State Capital Building, this building was designed by
Thomas Jefferson6 in 1790s, thus this was the building that had
sensibilities about the past. Thomas Jefferson didn't like the
Georgian architecture in Virginia; moreover, the American
people just become independent from the foreign power,
therefore Thomas Jefferson decided to design Virginia State
Capital Building, this build was inspired by a Roman temple and
this architecture replaced the old Georgian architecture and
redefined the American culture of architecture.
6
John, T. “Thomas Jefferson, a Brief Biography,” https://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/thomas-jefferson-brief-biography Accessed on May 1, 2017
Figure
9http://interactive.wttw.com/tenbuildings/virginia-
state-capitol

10. Second, the other work of architecture that I want
to talk about is the Silk Pavilion which has the sensibilities
of the future. The concept of Silk Pavilion7 has generated
my researchers from Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, it's simply using biodegradable material - the
silk from silkworms, in combination with the old materials
that we already know, and finally become the new
ecological material for architecture. I believe that this kind
of ecological material will be more and more common in
the future.
7
Markus, K. Jared, L. Jorge, D. “Silk Pavilion,” http://matter.media.mit.edu/about Accessed on May 1, 2017
Figure
10http://matter.media.mit.edu/environments/detail
s/silk-pavillion

11. Response to Ballantyne and Zumthor Articles
Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor present ideas about architecture that seem to value the sensorial
and material elements of life. How are Ballantyne’s and Zumthor’s viewpoints on architecture alike?
More importantly, how do they differ? (Use the SEE-IT method to respond to this question.)
After reading Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor's ideas
about architecture, I found them similar in some ways. For
example, they both focus on some specific details and both agree
that the details of an architecture could be inspirable. In the article,
Zumthor shares a personal story: he still remembers the "door
handle" of her aunt's old house. Although the door handle is such a
small part of a house, it represents different moods. On the other
hand, Ballantyne also states that "If we are to apprehend a
building’s everyday character, then we need to understand it by way
of the habits of everyday life, " and the tiny little things that happen
in the building every day are also some details that Zumthor mentions before.
On the other hand, Andrew Ballantyne and Peter Zumthor have different perspectives on the core of architecture.
Ballantyne claims the idea of “ethos,” he suggests that the building is closely related to the ethos of the inhabitants; in
other words, the building is actually shaped by the people who live in it. On the other hand, Zumthor focuses on the idea of
“construction,” which means that every little building blocks are important for the architecture work.
Figure 11http://www.canstockphoto.com/images-photos/door-knob.html

12. Respond to Levy Article
Here is your discussion question on the Levy article. Please post your own response, and respond to at
least two other students' responses. John Levy’s article, “An Overview: The Need for Planning,”
discussed ways in which planning can determine the characteristics of a place. How did planning define
the character of the place in which you grew up?
From growing up in Taipei, Taiwan, my experience
might have been different than most. The word "Pei" in
mandarin means "The north;" therefore, as the name
suggests, Taipei is sitting at the northern tip of Taiwan. The
density of population in Taipei is around 9950 people per
kilometer, which is ranked No.7 compares to largest cities
around the world. As I recall, before I had to move, Taipei
has a lot of residential complexes, unlike the apartments
here in Buffalo, the building I lived at has around 30 stories,
and each building consists basic infrastructures such as
gardens, playgrounds, pools, and gyms for the residents.
And I assume now there would be more and more buildings
like that in order to deal with the increasing populations.
Figure 12https://www.easycard.com.tw/english/taipeipass/index.asp

13. Another thing I loved about my city was the transportation. I think the planners did a solid job with the public
transport, they designed a contactless smartcard called "Easy card8." Easy card is read via a sensory panel which means
you don't need to take the card out of your wallet when you pay, and it is capable of using for all modes of public transit
such as bus and MRT; moreover, there are some
retail stores also accept the Easy card. As we
mentioned before, the density of population is
so high in Taipei that could be a problem, the
Easy card can reduce the time each person stop
by the entrance because passengers won't need
to open their wallet or purse to look for the card
every time. Overall, I think Taipei is a decent
city which has most of the basic needs met,
however, how to develop into a "green city" that
produces less amount of pollution is our
ultimate goal.
8
TaipeiEasyCard Co. “What is Taipei Pass,” https://www.easycard.com.tw/english/taipeipass/index.asp Accessed on May 1, 2017
Figure 13https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz1cBwNEUXI

14. Response to Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen, and Larson
Here is your discussion question on the Pruitt Igoe project, the Talen article, and the Larson lecture.
article. Please post your own response, and respond to at least two other students' responses. Imagine
that you are part of an urban planning and design firm working with Emily Talen (author of “Design That
Enables Diversity”) and Kent Larson (who gave the TED Talk "Brilliant Designs to Fit More People In
Every City" The thee of you have been tasked with developing a plan to rebuild Pruitt Igoe in St. Louis.
City officials told the three of you that they want to do it right this time. Identify three strategies for
rebuilding Pruitt Igoe in ways that promise to be more successful. What would Talen do? What would
Larson do? What would you do? How would your strategies differ from those of the original urban
planners/designers of the project? Why would your strategies be more effective?
The documentary of the Pruitt Igoe gives audiences an
idea of what it’s like to live in Pruitt Igoe. The social
segregation and security have been the most crucial issues
in Pruitt Igoe because the original planners did not take the
economic, social and cultural different into consideration,
and those social problems will further create a vicious cycle
of declining population funds for maintenance. Therefore,
the main goal to rebuild this place is to increase the
efficiency of land use, consider the diversities, and most
importantly to restore the relationship with residents.
The strategy that Talen propose would be focusing on
“placing diversity” as we mentioned previously. Talen
suggests that the mixing society group regardless of their
gender, race, and cultural background is more creative and

15. tolerant; moreover, people from different region around the world can come up with different ideas which can make the
community more equitable.
On the other hand, the strategy that Larson
propose would focus more on the “conservation”
and “sustainability,” for example increasing the
efficiency of land use and reducing carbon
emissions. Larson creates more spaces by putting
walls or tables in different orientation; therefore,
we are able to fully use the limited space.
Moreover, the lighting could also be
implemented, which then would save costs of
electricity greatly.
In my opinion, if I am to rebuild the Pruitt
Igoe9, I would combine Talen and Larson’s
suggestions and ideas, then further integrate it within design. I would start from designing a neighborhood that allows
interaction within residents by installing infrastructure such as playground, community center which would be helpful on
rebuilding the relationship with the community. Then I would focus on boosting share use of automobiles and public
spaces, further utilizing of eco-friendly material to achieve our final goal of conservation and sustainability.
9
Alexander, V. “Pruitt Igoe Project,” http://www.soc.iastate.edu/sapp/PruittIgoe.html Accessed on May 1, 2017
Figure 14http://smartcommunities.typepad.com/suzanne/2012/02/the-tragedy-of-pruitt-igoe-what-
have-we-learned.html

16. Response to F.L. Olmsted
Displaying his plan at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Frederick Law Olmsted stated that
"Buffalo is the best planned city, as to its streets, public places, and grounds, in the United States, if not
in the world." What was the basis for this claim? Would Olmsted still make that claim today? Why or
why not?
In the 1800s, Buffalo was quite different than it is today Frederick Law
Olmsted suggested that “Buffalo was the best well-planned city in the U.S., if
not in the world.” He gave some examples such as streets, public places,
parks…etc. The reason was that Buffalo was growing exponentially due to
railroads, factories, and the Erie Canal10. The designers developed a system of
interconnected parks and parkways that reached throughout the city;
moreover, Frederick Law Olmsted connected the green spaces in urban area
and generated the first urban park in Buffalo.
However, I think he would NOT make the same claim to consider Buffalo
as the best planned city in the U.S., or even in the world. First of all, the
population in Buffalo has increased by 3 times, which the original design
might not be able to accommodate the growing population. In addition, some
parkways and highways originally designed were destroyed today due to
poor maintenance. However, Olmsted’s idea of urban park still inspired
many architects, therefore there are many successful designs which planners design the city within a park.
10
The Erie Canal, “Clinton’s Big ditch” http://eriecanal.org/history.html Accessed on May 2, 2017
Figure 15http://www.buffaloresearch.com/maps.html

17. Response to Walter Hood's Work
Identify something that should be memorialized either on UB's campus or in your hometown. Imagine
that you are the person who will oversee this project, and that you are using Walter Hood's 'triad of
investigations' as your approach to the project. What would your landscape intervention
commemorate/memorialize? How will you use Hood's 'triad of investigations' to design a new landscape
intervention? What do you imagine that the design will be? (Either written or visual descriptions are
acceptable).
There is one thing on UB campus that should be memorialized –
Victor E. Bull, the UB mascot11. Victor E. Bull is not just the mascot for
the UB athletic teams, it also represents the spirit of UB, and therefore
it should be properly memorialized.
According to Walter Hood's triad of investigation, there are three
focus which are “every day and mundane,” “commemoration,” and “life
ways.” In terms of everyday and mundane, I would make the massive
and noticeable statue of UB mascot at the locations such as near the
Capen Hall or in front of the Student Union, where students and teachers
are able to see it right away every day they walk by. As for commemoration, I would put a big and golden slogan “LET’S
GO BULLS,” as a reminder that we are strong, majestic and energetic. Finally, in order to have the lifeways for the statue
of mascot, I would make it an interactive park by incorporating a large grass lawn underneath the mascot with trees,
benches, and tables around it. Therefore, people are able to interact with the environment and enjoy their times with the
mascot.
11
Nancy, J. “The UB Mascot” http://library.buffalo.edu/archives/student-life/spirit/mascot.htm Accessed on May 2, 2017
Figure 16Figure 14Figure
1(http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2006/07/8056.html)

18. Response to the Brookes
The abolitionist poster, the Brookes, is an iconic image that often is included in exhibits that explore
issues of race and power. It was commissioned by Thomas Clarkson in 1788, and the Committee of the
Abolition of Slavery used it to inform and shock the public. While some consider the poster as an
important component of the abolitionist campaign, it recently “has been strongly criticized by some
individuals and groups of African heritage as providing a very limited view of the history of the
transatlantic slave trade, resistance and abolition (Hudson 2007).” The lesson here is that how a viewer
sees an image is dependent upon his/her social, economic, and cultural position. Keeping this in mind,
find another iconic graphic that addresses racial issues and post it for others in your group to view How
do you interpret the graphic? What is its meaning? Now imagine that someone from a racial and cultural
background different than your own is looking at the same graphic. Briefly describe this person. How
might s/he interpret its meaning? How might this differ from your interpretation? What are the possible
reasons for these differences?
This image is one of the most infamous photographs in
U.S. history which was taken in the 1950s in North
Carolina. I interpret this image as an example of racial
segregation, it portrays a dark time in the U.S. history
when the racism was openly prominent and blatant. This
water fountain was the proof that the segregation had
impacted every aspect of people’s daily life. Imagine if a
“colored” person who is at his/her maybe 80s is looking at
this picture, they might feel more offended that I do
because they lived under this kind of situation when they
were young. The key difference is that he/she is someone
who actually experienced this kind of segregation, and this
image is just such a painful reminder for them.
Figure 17https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419468152769866010/

19. Response to Charles Davis and equityXdesign's Work
Critique either the MLK Memorial or the National Museum of African American History and Culture
using equityXdesign’s core beliefs and/or design principles. (Use the beliefs or principles that are most
relevant to your critique rather than all of them.) (NOTE: Limit your response to less than 250 words.)
The National Museum of African American History and
Culture: First, I’d want to discuss the belief of ‘Learning to see:
historical context matters,’ this belief emphasizes that : in
order to understand the present time and space we occupy, we
must first understand the inherited legacy surrounding the
product that we are designing. Therefore, the design of the
museum should not just focus on passively avoiding any
criticism and trying not to offend anyone, instead, the
historical past of racial segregation should be reflected in
a bolder way so as to remind people of what racial segregation
was like in the past.
Finally, I want to talk about a crucial design principle which is ‘Make the invisible visible. Nowadays, racism seems
to become a thing of the past, nevertheless, problems like rampant unemployment and police brutality are still plaguing
black citizens. And it is of vital importance to include the opinions of African Americans in all ages when designing the
museum to try to make these preexisting schemas visible and I think what can be done is to add a section in the museum
exhibition that can reflect the present like the Black Lives Matters movement. In this way, the museum will have a place
for visitors to reflect and repair.
Figure 18http://inhabitat.com/national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-
culture-opens-today-in-washington-dc/

20. Response to "Landscape Stories" Chapter
First, let’s start with your own home. Describe a place in your home (indoors and/or outdoors) that you
think of as representative of your own ethnic background and discuss why you consider this place to be
‘ethnic’. –OR-- Describe an object in your home that you think of as representative of your ethnic
background and discuss why this object is considered to be ‘ethnic’. Is this object or place something that
you will keep or continue when you establish your own home? Why or why not?
Now let’s move into your community. In “Landscape Stories,” the authors show how landscape architects
develop a historical narrative that sifts through and interpets the culture and material of
underrepresented groups. Think about the community where you grew up. Describe and discuss any
evidence of cultural influences on the physical environment in your community. If possible, describe
evidence of the cultural influence of an underrepresented group. (If possible, add photo/s.) Is this
cultural influence being acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or why not?
In my home, one place that can represent my own ethnic background is
the altar in the living room. Both of my grandparents are Buddhists, and they
emphasize on honoring the Buddha (Maitreya Buddha in this case) and the
ancestors of our family. Although my parents and I are not necessarily Buddhists,
we still keep this tradition. The altar serves as a place to display the Buddha
statue; however, instead of practicing the religious of Buddhism, we just show the
respect to our cultural traditions and pray for good luck. As for myself, I will still
keep a Buddha statue somewhere in my own home to remind myself and my child
our unique ethnic background.
Figure 19http://fanyun.com.tw/product1

21. In the community, I grew up, we have a
traditional architectural “arch” or “gateway” structure
called PaiFang12, which is originally served as the
marker of the” entrance” to a city or town, which was
usually shut and guarded every night. The main
function was to divide cities; however, our community
preserved those PaiFangs nowadays for another
purpose - because it represents a form of ancient
Chinese architecture, and serves as an evidence of
cultural influence in my community.
12
Chinatownology. “Chinese Archways, Paifang” http://www.chinatownology.com/archways.html Accessed on May 2, 2017
Figure 20https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paifang

22. Response to Article on Sports Branding
Recent controversies about sports branding focus on ethnicity. The Washington Redskins team is just
one example of the larger controversy, but it receives the most public attention due to the name itself
being defined as derogatory or insulting in modern dictionaries, and the prominence of the team
representing the nation’s capital. Should sports team branding designers use ethnic references (Fighting
Irish, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Braves, etc.)? Why? Why not? What are some of the complexities of this
issue?
In my opinion, sports branding should still follow the
concept of respecting ethnic values and backgrounds,
rather than devaluing them. The meanings behind these
names might change gradually or rapidly throughout
time: for example, the Redskins13. I believe that these
ethnic references should be slowly phased out. The sports
team branding designers should consult the opinions of
people; for example, they could generate a statistical
sample to determine whether or not the brand mane is
offensive, although we can’t always please everyone, we
should at least make sure we are not suppressing the
voice of the minority.
13
Ian, S. “Federal Judge orders Cancellation of Redskins” https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/judge-upholds-cancellation-of-redskins-trademarks-in-a-
legal-and-symbolic-setback-for-team/2015/07/08/5a65424e-1e6e-11e5-aeb9-a411a84c9d55_story.html?utm_term=.18865c002dd9 Accessed on May 2, 2017
Figure 21https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/judge-upholds-cancellation-of-redskins-
trademarks-in-a-legal-and-symbolic-setback-for-team/2015/07/08/5a65424e-1e6e-11e5-
aeb9-a411a84c9d55_story.html?utm_term=.18865c002dd9

23. Response to "Visualizing Gender" Chapter
In their chapter “Communicating Gender,” Maya Ganesh and Gabi Sobliye discuss two primary visual
advocacy approaches: 1) get the idea, and 2) stories in data. Find a new example of either of the two
visual advocacy approaches to gender issues, and post it in this thread. Cite the source.
First, identify the approach. Then explain how the designer uses the approach to communicate a gender
issue. Is the approach effective in this example? Why or why not? How could this graphic be improved?
In my opinion, the approach of this powerful photo is “get the idea.” The
designer uses the search bar of Google to show the audiences that by simply typing
in the words “women have to14,” the suggested searches are shocking to see. In
addition, the graphic layout of the campaign is also important. The mouth of the
woman is blocked by the Google search bar in order to “silence” her, which
demonstrates the bias of women should be submissive, passive, and quiet. In this
photo, the approach is effective and powerful because the designer utilizes such an
image appears in a relatively well known and familiarized searching tool (Google
Search), which may make the audiences rethink what these mundane things are
utilized for? And how we can unconsciously utilize ordinary things in a way that
continues inequality? And finally realize how far we still have to go to achieve the
true gender equality. Finally, it would draw more attention on gender inequality and
furthermore - domestic abuse; if we replace the woman in this photo with a beaten
woman.
14
Jessica, R. “Shows How The World Really Feels About Women” http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/10/18/ Accessed on May 2, 2017
Figure 22Figure
21http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/10/18/new-ad-
campaign-uses

24. Response to Bathroom Bill
Last year, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that repealed local LGBT anti-
discrimination laws, and required people to use the bathroom that corresponded with the biological
gender written on their birth certificates. This prompted massive backlash. McCrory stated, “You know,
we all have to make adjustments in life. And we’ve had the proper etiquette situation for decades in our
country, and all of a sudden through political correctness we’re throwing away basic etiquette.” Just this
past Thursday, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill to repeal the law while placing a
moratorium on nondiscrimination measures.
Should people be required to use the bathroom that corresponds with the biological gender written on
their birth certificate? State why AND state why not. In other words, to receive full credit for this
question, you need to present an argument for both sides of the issue. As a designer, how would you solve
this gender dilemma?
Nowadays, whether people should be required to use the bathroom
that corresponds with their biological gender has become a serious issue.
Some people think that using the bathroom that correspond to their
biological gender is the basic proper etiquette and it has been there for
decades; however, some people think that people have the right to decide
their own gender identity and even in public (bathroom).
One possible reason for requiring people to use the bathroom that
corresponds with their biological gender is the lack of understanding for
LGBT group because the concept of LGBT such as bisexual or transgender
is relatively new to the majority of the people. It leads to many
Figure 23https://www.alphadogadasigns.com/ada-braille-
handicap-gender-neutral-restroom-sign-
gn3i88/?gclid=CNb61IyD09MCFceIswod3q4IHw

25. misunderstanding and confusion; in addition, it requires more money
to build more public bathrooms for different gender identities other
than just having male/female bathrooms.
On the other hand, the possible reason against the bill is that it
violates the people’s freedom of expression. They have the right to
freely choose their gender identity and which bathroom they feel
comfortable using. Moreover, the bill might become a form of
discrimination against LGBT15 group who adopt a different gender
identity that their biological gender.
To solve this gender dilemma, I would implement “gender
neutral bathroom” which allows the users to have their own choice
regardless of gender identity. In addition, I would design a new label in Yellow color instead of using pink for female, blue
for male. This way any individual would be free of judgment.
15
NYC LGBT Center. “LGBT Center” https://gaycenter.org/about Accessed on May 2, 2017
Figure 24http://www.refugerestrooms.org/signs

26. Response to Hidden Ways
Author Steven Flusty categorized five types of disciplinary architecture that perpetuate what he calls
urban spatial injustice: 1) stealthy, 2) slippery, 3) crusty, 4) prickly, and 5) jittery. Go out into the city of
Buffalo, and find/photograph two examples from the list of five. Identify what type of space you’ve
photographed and why it might discriminate against a specific population. Identify the location where
you took the photograph, and make certain that you are in at least one of the two photographs.
Photo #1: Jittery.
As long as I walked in the NFTA METRO University
Station at South campus, I could see there were 2
security cameras (one in the front and one in the back).
They are able to capture every motion of people from
every angle, which could discriminate against any casual
passengers as if being watched by “big brother.”
However, on the bright side, these security cameras can
effectively deter individuals that could be committing
illicit activities such as robbery, drug dealing, etc…
(Location: 3434 Main Street, NFTA METRO RAIL
University Station. )
Figure 25Lily Huang

27. Photo #2: Prickly (+Jittery)
After I walked in the subway station, I
immediately spotted “Painful Bench” which has V-
shape partition separates each seat. It prevents
anyone from laying on the bench which could be
discrimination against the homeless people, there
is no way a homeless man or women can lay down
sleep on the bench. In addition, I also spotted
2 security cameras at each corner.
(Location: 3434 Main Street, NFTA METRO
RAIL16 University Station. )
16
NFTA METRO. “History of NFTA” http://metro.nfta.com/ Accessed on May 2, 2017
Figure 26Joseph Tsai

28. Response to People Like Us
After almost two decades of public assistance, Tammy Crabtree took herself and her family off the
welfare rolls. But her job cleaning bathrooms at a local Burger King barely paid the bills. Crabtree
wanted to do better and hopes to go to college and become a teacher.
Imagine this scenario. You are a designer who works at the well-known firm, You work on a team with
planners, urban designers, policy designers, architects, and social designers. You have been tasked to
develop/design a way for Tammy Crabtree and her family to move themselves out of poverty. What will
your team to do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What approach will your team take to
address this difficult problem?
In order to improve Tammy’s situation, it’s important to
design a community that offers more social interaction between
each social class; moreover, the learning and working opportunities
are necessary as well. According to the video, Tammy lives in an
isolated place, she has to work every day which gives her limited
chance for social interaction. Therefore, I would work with my team
at iPD to develop a centralized location of mixed-income residential
complex. I would also build a community center in the middle of
the residential complex which serves as “resource center” that
provides a connection for people like Tammy to local resource; for
example, education programs, classes, job opportunities, etc… Secondly, I would offer a range of different housing options
and apartment options so everyone can choose the ideal and affordable housing plan based on their economic status. Last
but not the least, I would design a large green space linked to each residential complex, and organize free events regularly
to engage residents from different classes and encourage the social interaction.
Figure
27http://www.hellomidtown.com/neighborhood/amenities/community-
center-map

29. Response to Carroll Article: “(Re)forming Regent Park: When Policy Does Not Equal Practice”
The development of Regent Park is phased, and there are several more phases to the project. What
actions could be taken to ensure more social integration for the older people living in the ‘new and
improved’ Regent Park?
In order to improve the living environment and social
integration in the “new and approved” Regent Park for the
older residents, several actions must be done to make Regent
Park more accessible and comfortable. First, I would relocate
the elderly to the lower floors of each building because some
older residents might have mobility issues, living on the lower
floors can shorten the distance that they need to travel every
day. Second, I would redesign each floor to ensure that they
have access to some basic living facilities such as laundry
room, community room(with TVs, tables, couches so people
can hang out)…etc. The purpose is to improve the social interaction between residents. Last but not the least, I would
design a coffee shop and grocery store located in the central of the building complex. Around the grocery store and coffee
shop, there will be some green spaces, and our community events will be held weekly (movie, guest speakers, shows). This
way people don’t need to travel a long distance to get food, and it also provides our residents a good place for socializing.
Figure 28http://www.northhill.org/a-better-massachusetts-retirement-
community#.WQn61NLyvIU

30. Response to Enriquez TED Talk: “What Will Humans Look Like in 100 Years?”
For this question, we will focus on Juan Enriquez’ Life Two civilization, which alters fundamental
aspects of the body. We are living longer than ever before in human history. Enriquez argues that,
because of advances in bio-medical technology, the possibility of living to 120 years of age and beyond is
quite possible for many of us in this D+D class. Assuming that his assertion is accurate, how do you think
extended life spans will change our societies and built environments? What new issues might designers
face because of extended life spans?
In my opinion, the extended lifespan will definitely change
our lives in many ways. the positive impacts of extended lifespan
are that people will have more time to accomplish their goal;
moreover, people are able to make a possible contributions to our
society. This would also alter the population structure whereas
there are more and more “old people” due to the expansion of
lifespan. Therefore, designers will have to take the age gaps and
different age groups into the consideration while they design either
new devices or policies.
On the other hand, what I am truly worried about is that it is not
simply the expansion of lifespan, but the expansion of the human population in general. According to UN17, currently
there are more than 7 billion living humans on Earth; however, 200 years ago we only had less than 1 billion, in 1999 we
had 5 billion. Moreover, study suggests that in the next 50 years, we will almost double the population and this is going to
be problematic. The natural resources including gasoline, food, and water are limited and will not be able to supply our
increasing population. Therefore, the designers will face the issue of energy efficiencies, and they should start looking for
alternative energy sources that are renewable and produces the minimum amount of pollution.
17
UN. “Population Division,” http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/ Accessed on May 2, 2017
Figure 29http://fruitworldmedia.com/index.php/featured/2602/

31. Response to PPT, Smithsonian, and Roy
The two most frequently mentioned models of disability are the ‘social’ and the ‘medical’ models. The
medical model of disability views disability as a medical ‘problem’ that belongs to the disabled individual.
The social model of disability, in contrast, draws on the idea that it is society that disables people,
through designing everything to meet the needs of the majority of people who are not disabled. There is a
recognition within the social model that there is a great deal that society can do to reduce, and ultimately
remove, some of these disabling barriers, and that this task is the responsibility of society, rather than
the disabled person.
Please select one of the seven universal design principles, and post photographs that show both a positive
and a negative example of the principle. Then address the following question: How do your examples
empower or disempower various people? Describe the specific features of the positive example and the
specific features of the negative example. Discuss ways that the positive example could be even further
improved.
Equitable Use: (positive)
This water fountain is a positive example of equitable use. The water fountain
has three separate parts, besides the ordinary water fountain, there is a lower
outlet so people who sit on the wheelchair can also use this water fountain. In
addition, there is another outlet for animals such as dogs and cats. Therefore
this multi-outlet water fountain18 is designed to be used by every organism on
the earth equally. And I think this water fountain can be further approved my
adding a sign next to it, so people would not misunderstand the real function
of these water fountains. For example, people might think the lower outlet is
for hand washing, or even use the lowest outlet to wash their dirty shoes.
18 RJM. “Anything is Possible Travel,” http://anythingispossibletravel.com/lets-go-to-the-san-diego-zoo/ Accessed on May 2, 2017
Figure 31 http://anythingispossibletravel.com/lets-go-to-
the-san-diego-zoo/
Figure 30Figure 29 http://anythingispossibletravel.com/lets-
go-to-the-san-diego-zoo/

32. Equitable Use: (negative)
These stairs is a negative example of equitable use, it only allows for
people who are able to walk. For people who have strollers or wheelchairs,
they are not able to use these stairs. Moreover, in case of fire, the people
with wheelchairs might be trapped in the building because the elevators are
disabled and there is no other ways for them to escape.
Figure 32 https://www.karmanhealthcare.com/how-to-get-a-wheelchair-up-and-
down-stairs/

33. Response to Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
Our 2017 Design-A-Baby survey yielded the following characteristics as indicated by a majority of you:
Sex: Male (47%)
Hair Color: Dark Brown (22%) Hair Texture: Wavy (33%) Eye Color: Blue (26%) Race: Caucasian (36%)
Height: 5’-10” to 6’-1” (45%) IQ: 131-140 (20%) Memory: Excellent (43%) Athletic Ability: Excellent (43%)
Weight: Average (79%) Disease Carrier: None (85%) Beauty: Somewhat attractive (46%) Empathy: Very
empathetic (38%) Creativity: Very creative (37%)
Currently, we have the technology for you to choose many of the survey characteristics in your future
child, and this ability to choose poses some ethical questions. Of course, we all want the best for our own
child. However, as we move into a more collective situation, we need to consider how the consequences
of majority choices for children might change who we are as a species.
In the film trailer FIXED, you were introduced to the dilemma of living in a culture in which the “science-
fiction of human enhancement” has become almost a way of life, from prenatal genetic screening to
bionic body parts. In the video, “A Man with Three Ears” you are introduced to an artist who is using
current technology to move humans beyond their current abilities. Last week, Juan Enriquez asked us if
it is ethical to evolve the human body. All of these videos suggest that the concept of disability ‘as we
know it’ could cease to exist in the future.
What lessons do you think we should learn from history when thinking about emerging enhancement
technologies and reproductive technologies? What are some of the possible consequences (both positive
and negative) of being able to design our bodies and the bodies of our children? What ethical quandaries
do these technologies pose?

34. The lesson that we should learn from the
history when talking about emerging enhancement
and reproductive technologies is to realize that how
important it is to utilize these gene engineering19
technologies in a proper way, and how to improve our
lives while causing minimum ethical conflicts.
In my opinion, one of the positive impacts is
the ability to eliminate disabilities by the technique of
bionics, it helps people with disabilities to see, hear,
and walk again. On the other hand, this might be the
end of the genetic diseases, since we are now able to pick and choose what genetic characters you want to have on your
child and get rid of genetic diseases.
However, the negative consequence is that there is no limit and regulation of these technologies, therefore the
segregation might occur. With these technologies, we are able to be a better person, and furthermore design our baby to be
for example smarter, taller and stronger than other children and there is no limit; however, these technologies are not
affordable for everyone, therefore it would eventually create social segregation between people who are able to afford it
and those who cannot.
Finally, I think the ethical quandaries these technologies might pose are dependent on social background and
religious. Would these technologies differentiate us into social groups base on enhancements? Would it then becomes an
issue of social segregation?
19
The Economist. “Editing Humanity,” http://www.economist.com/node/21661651/comments Accessed on May 3, 2017
Figure 33http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21661651-new-technique-manipulating-
genes-holds-great-promisebut-rules-are-needed-govern-its

35. Response to Titicut Follies:
The state of Massachusetts tried to ban the 1967 documentary Titicut Follies, arguing that director
Frederick Wiseman had violated the patients’ rights by not getting written permission to film them. The
case went to court, and Wiseman argued that he had consent from their legal guardian, the institution.
After a judge ruled in favor of the state, the legal appeals carried on for several years: in 1969,
Massachusetts allowed the film to be shown to doctors, lawyers, and health care professionals; in 1991, a
superior court judge ruled it could be released for the “general public,” as privacy concerns were no
longer at issue, so many years later.
Should Wiseman have been allowed to film the residents of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional
Facility? Why or why not? How might this film be of value to designers? In other words, what might they
gain from this film that they could use in their work?
In my opinion, I think Wiseman20 should have been allowed to film
the residents and patients of Bridgewater Massachusetts Correctional
Facility because the film is so valuable and it serves the purpose of
“expose.” The film exposes the real life condition of the residents and
patients in the facility, we wouldn’t have known that the patients
suffered from awful living conditions and inhuman treatments if
Wiseman never filmed this video. Somebody might argue that if the
patient is one of your family members, then you probably wouldn’t
want other people to come in and film your family member.
However, in Wiseman’s case, I think the filming should be allowed because I believe patients’ family wants to know what
happens behind the fence, especially when your family member is being treated inhumanely. Moreover, the film has a high
value for designers because they could use this film to find out the existing problems of the old design and improve their
new plans, finally, they will be able to design a comfortable and supportive environment for patients.
20
Richard, M. “THE EGENDARY BANNED FILM FROM 1967 ,” http://dangerousminds.net/comments accessed on May 13, 2017
Figure 34http://thephoenix.com/boston/news/108081-troubled-over-
bridgewater/

36. Thread 2: Response to PPT, The Architecture of Autism, Public Space
Prelude: Wolf Wolfensberger's seminal work "The Origin and Nature of Our Institutional Models"
posited that society characterizes people with intellectual disabilities as sub-human and burdens of
charity, He argued that this dehumanization, and the segregated institutions that result from it, ignored
the potential productive contributions that all people can make to society. He pushed for a shift in policy
and practice that recognized the human needs of those with intellectual challenges and provided the
same basic human rights as for the rest of the population.
The Scenario: Imagine that you and your four children live in Amherst, New York in a $650,000 home at
the end of a cul-de-sac on the edge of a ten acre woods. The town has purchased a one acre lot three
houses away from yours, and plans to build a group home for ten intellectually challenged adults.
As a resident of the neighborhood, would you support or oppose this proposal and why?
You've learned additional information about the residents of the proposed group home in your
neighborhood. In 2013, three of the ten intended residents exhibited challenging behaviors including
screaming, public masturbation, repetitive rocking, and echolalia (elective incontinence). However,
these behaviors have not occurred since then.
How would this change your opinion about the construction of the group home in your neighborhood?
The residents in your neighborhood voted (14-3) to reject the town of Amherst’s proposal to build a
group home in the neighborhood. Town officials agreed that the home would not be built in your
neighborhood if you and your neighbors could develop a workable alternative.
What are some possible solutions that would allow the residents of the home to be provided with “the
same basic human rights as the rest of the population”?

37. As a resident of the neighborhood, I
would definitely support the proposal, I
believe the ten intellectual challenged21
adults share the equal basic right just like
us; moreover, I think by supporting the
proposal we are able to reduce the
segregation between intellectual challenged
people and normal people. After I learn
some additional information about the past
behaviors of the ten people, I would not
change my mind since the issue no longer
exists since 2013. However, I do think we
need some additional support from
professional healthcare providers such as
nurses and doctors in case for some
emergency situations. If the residents in my neighborhood rejected the proposal, I would accept the decision since we
voted. However, an alternative solution is to invite some intellectually challenged people to our community and interact,
engage with our residents; moreover, I think it would be helpful to offer classes for job training and general education. As
the result, it can eliminate the stereotype against intellectually challenged people and build the connection with our
residents in our neighborhood.
21
SOMO. “Give thousands more athletes a chance to be great” https://somo.org/SOMOEndowmentFund Accessed on May 13, 2017
Figure 35https://somo.org/SOMOEndowmentFund

38. Response to The Connection Between Religion and Urban Planning by David Engwicht
In his article, David Engwicht discusses the fact that religions have played major roles in the
development of our cities. Today, places of worship are primary components of almost all urban centers.
This is an aspect of our urban future that planners and urbanists should attend to.” Identify a place of
worship with which you are somewhat familiar. Show a photograph of this religious structure. What
roles has this place served in the development of your city/town? How has it influenced the design of the
area around it? How has its role changed over time? What roles could this place of worship play in the
future development of your city/town?
Wun-Chung Temple22 is a temple just across the street from
where I grew up. Wun-Chung Temple was reconstructed in 1992 by
the government, and it is one of the major Taoism temples in
Taipei. According to legend, the first statue of Wun-Chung was
brought to Taiwan during the late 1800s by a businessman from
main land China, then somehow the businessman lost the statue in
a forest. Few years later the statue of Wun-Chung was found by
villagers, soon they found out that the statue was Wun-Chung and
built a temple for it. The word “Wun” means “literacy,” therefore, as
you might guess, the Wun-Chung Temple nowadays serves as a
place for people to pray for good luck, especially for students who
are taking exams soon. The Wun-Chung Temple influences the design of my town deeply in terms of education, there was
a school built right next to the temple called “Wun-Chung public school,” therefore, the Wun-Chung Temple still plays a
role of improving the education. In the future, I think Wun-Chung Temple will continue to remind people how important
education is and how it can change our life.
22
WunChung Temple. “關於台北文昌宮” http://www.wunchang.org.tw/ Accessed on May 13, 2017

39. Thread 2: Response to Prospects for the Future of Diversity and Design
Consider the quote in your syllabus from educator Michael J. Shannon: “Design, as vision in action--the
intersection of understanding and creation--is a universal human capability that can play a fundamental
role in social evolution, in the process that transforms resources, energy, and information to make our
world.” At the beginning of this course, we discussed the idea that we are all designers regardless of our
profession or field of study. We’ve asked some big questions along the way, and the conclusion section of
our textbook raises additional issues that require input from people who might not consider themselves
to be part of the formalized design professions.Think about your own major and/or future profession.
What is the biggest challenge, problem, or question that your field needs to tackle right now? What do
you plan to do to address this challenge, problem, or question either as part of your studies or
professional life?
I am a Nursing major, and I think the biggest problem in nursing
field that needs to tackle now is the sex segregation. Although study23
shows that the number of male nurses is increasing in a steady rate, as a
nursing student in Buffalo, I noticed that there are only 9 male students
(out of 72) who got accepted into the program. Nursing has historically
been a female-dominated field; however, as the aging population
increases, the demand of males in the nursing field has raised rapidly. As
the result, the barrier of sex segregation in nursing field diminishing as
time goes. In order to completely break the male nursing stereotype, the problem solving progress has to begin with the
foundation, the education: The most fundamental problem of the sex segregation and the male nursing stereotype is the
education. Often times people not only see the stereotypical images from social media, but also the school system -
especially school counselors - who have failed to increase awareness and introduce nursing as a gender-neutral profession.
23 Nina, P. “Male Nursing Information: Job description,” http://nursection.com/male-nurse-jobs-education-duties-salary/ Accessed on May 13, 2017
Figure 36http://nursection.com/male-nurse-jobs-education-duties-
salary/