The document discusses Connor Spiegel's responses to online discussion questions for his American Diversity and Design course, where he reflects on how the course impacted his views and what he learned about minority groups and the role of design in enabling or disabling people. Connor discusses innovations like hearing aids that benefited people and design changes to classrooms that helped students with disabilities.

1. University at Buffalo – State University of New York
ARC 211 – American Diversity and Design – Spring 2017
Online Discussion Questions
Connor Spiegel

2. Welcome!
My name is Connor Spiegel, and I am a student in the class ARC 211 American Diversity and Design. Diversity and Design (D+D) has really
impacted me throughout this semester. Having to go on, read eye opening articles and look at thought provoking photographs every week has
made me think about my role in this world, and what I can do to help. We learned about nearly every minority group imaginable, and the
problems that they face, and we face every day, whether it be subtle or blatant. The main thing I learned from this course is to never take
anything at face value. The way our environment is designed isn’t just beneficial to all, it can enable, disable, discriminate or promote healthy
interactions in our lives whether we know it or not. The most fun part of this course, or the thing that compelled me the most were the pictures
or videos we watched. The TED Talks were inspirational, and the photos selected made you really think. My viewpoints have changed for sure,
but id say for the most part they have changed for the better because of this course.
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.

3. Response: “What is Design” From Hello World: Where Design Meets Life by Alice Rawsthron:
The 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 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 outdated
information, which put them at a disadvantage.
One invention that stands out to me is the hearing-aid. This allowed mainly the
elderly, and a few younger people with hearing disabilities to hear better. It just made life in
general much better for these people, and on a personal level, it definitely made my visits to
my grandparents’ house a lot more enjoyable for me! No more repeating myself at dinner or
turning the TV up to absurd volumes for grandpa! As for downsides, or disadvantages for this
innovation I can’t really think of any, since it really had no downside. It benefited every class of
person, besides maybe the price range for the lower class, and doesn't discriminate in terms of
its users.
http://headsetplus.com/blog/wp-
content/uploads/2016/04/hearing-aid.jpg

4. Response: 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.
Describe a design that was impacted by a diversity group. How and why did it change form
and/or circumstances?
Classrooms were changed quite a bit specifically in terms of special needs students or
students with cognitive disabilities. My mother is a special education teacher back home, and
her classroom was always being modified, classwork changed and new learning styles were
implemented to meet kid’s needs. Whether it be more time for test taking, a personal TA, or
even actually altering the classroom to be wheelchair accessible with all new chairs and tables
for kids that require stimulation to focus better. They now put in some classes physical therapy
as a scheduled block for kids with muscular deformations or weaknesses, so that while they
learn they can grow stronger and move closer to an unassisted lifestyle. About 30 years ago,
these kids were just thrown into the general education classes, along with up to speed
classmate that blew past them in comprehension skills. these kids received little to no help and
eventually became extremely dependent on their parents or care takers, and almost never
became self-sufficient. In my high school, they recently created a classroom that replicated an
apartment including a full kitchen and sink, bedroom, table and family room, where kids
learned self-sufficient skills like vacuuming, making their beds, cooking dinner, and washing
clothes. All this allows kids to cut of the dependence on others, and live on their own in a few
years, all thanks to recent progresses.
https://www.su.edu/magazine/pt-ot-
programs-celebrate-25-years/

5. Response: 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?
I would place these photos in a mass media outlet or a news program for all to see, and
interpret in their own minds. The photo i have attached is of the Boston marathon, which is one
of the first mass-killing crimes that happened in my lifetime. I think this bombing brought
attention to large casualty crimes and stepped up our awareness that people are not always
good natured as we think. It stepped up security standards at events, for instance, as a track
runner i competed at RIT, a college in Rochester NY. After the bombing, mandatory bag checks
occurred every track meet.
Response: Articles on Hats as Communication Designs
http://www.snopes.com/politics/cons
piracy/boston.asp
https://www.rit.edu/~w-criw/indoor-facilities.php

6. 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 do each of the two hats carry? In terms of communication design, how are they
similar? And how are they different from one another?
I enjoyed these articles, and the meaning of these hats goes beyond face value. While
having physical properties to make them appealing, the "brand", in this case being women’s
rights (the pink one) and the red one (Donald trump’s hats), is what really gives them their
value. By owning and wearing a hat with one of these brands people feel included in something
larger than them. Similar to how a fraternity has a name that is just Greek letters, it means
something more to the person wearing a shirt with those letters on it. The "brand" is what
really matters, not the object itself. Each hat however, displays the idea in a different way. For
instance, the women’s right hats are a satirical play off of the Donald trump hats. The featured
red and pink beanies with a bold type face “NO.” in it uses the color of trumps hat, while also
stating the opposition to the president. Donald trump’s hats are simply a campaign slogan.
“Make America great again.”, something his supporters can get behind and follow. Both unify
their causes into one organized group, but they do it in different ways.
https://trumpstore2016.com/products/trump-red-
make-america-great-again-
hat?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&varia
nt=17318780167&gclid=CjwKEAjw_6XIBRCisIGIrJeQ9
3oSJAA2cNtM08HaFZTVWVX-
14fJZ2Bk1pWlw4W26yTDnJsLiZUNbhoCv0Xw_wcB

7. 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? Provide
an example of any products that embrace Cradle-to-Cradle design, please describe and cite.
Personally, I think the Rolls Royce doesn’t fit the cradle to cradle concept. The car itself
id made of many different luxury parts and doesn’t fit the idea of being recycled into something
else. Once this car is made, nothing is being made back out of it, this is its final form. The HUBB
oil filter is one product that does fit this idea of cradle to cradle however. It can be washed with
soap at any time and reused, and when it serves its purpose it can be completely recycled!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/508039115/pink-pussyhat-with-writing-no-
beanie-
cat?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share
http://www.whipsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/Whipsaw_LOF_Main-
m5uqhk3ow3d0lh5nos7p67bs12f61pgd2524ruxplk.jpg
http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/
media/assets/submodel/7017.jpg

8. Response: “Industrial Design” by John Heskett and “The Incredible Inventions of Intuitive Al”
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?
Henry Ford truly revolutionized how we produce goods. His large layout factories with
little to no breaks in them allowed for huge production lines and output on a global scale. He
had a saying when he was in business, something along the lines of; every man who works on a
ford car, should be able to afford and purchase that same car he builds. He wanted to make car
affordable for everyone, and to expand his markets. Socially this created enormous job
opportunities and allowed markets to boom, as people started spending money on his cars. Will
this happen again? In my opinion we will never experience anything quite like this. We have
progressed so far that Henry Ford’s assembly line of men is now being replaced by robotic
machines and computers. If anything, the future will have inverse effects. Losses of jobs will
occur, and people won’t be making money.
http://hereandnow.legacy.wbur.org/
2013/10/16/assembly-line-
anniversary

9. Response: All Week 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 do each of these buildings either reflect or challenge their cultural contexts? (Use the SEE-
IT method to respond to this question.)
The first building (or house) I reflected on today was the frank Lloyd wright house. This
one really stood out to me not only because of its revolutionary design in homes during the time
and the open floor plan concept, but because I grew up near a home he designed. Growing up I
always was fascinated by architecture and unique designs of houses. My grandfather, knowing
this, took me right down to Park Avenue in Rochester where there is a famous Frank Lloyd
Wright house. I remember looking at all the other houses around it, and being confused as to
why they allowed him to build such a “different” style than the other old houses surrounding it.
The other building, I reflected on was the Dulles airport and its large swooping roof, supported
by arched pillars resembling Greek roots in the surrounding buildings. The idea of a moving
lounge to reach your plane, avoiding the sprawling arms of traditional airports was very
revolutionary and sparked the design for future airports.
http://flwright.org/sites/default/files/listing/
summary/robie.jpg

10. Response: 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.)
Andrew Ballantyne believes that the visual aesthetics of a building or structure should
play a major role in the "level" of architecture. However, Peter Zumthor differs in that he
believes that the functionality, the idea behind it, and the purpose the building or structure
serves is a better scale of the level of architecture. They do however agree on one thing, the
way the architecture is perceived. Many people associate architecture with being a visual
concept, or that it’s all about how it looks. Both these men disagree, they believed that you
need all your senses, your touch, sight, smell, hearing, and so on to gauge the level of
architecture. It’s not about how a dome on a building looks, it’s about how it reflects and moves
sound, how a theater makes some seats louder than the others and how you can smell cooking
from the kitchen of a building in the lobby.
http://designobserver.com/images/fe
atures/Zumthor_stoneroberts.jpg

11. Response: Levy Article
John Levy’s article, “An Overview: The Need for Planning,” discussed ways in which
planning can determine the characteristics of a place. For example, some smaller towns restrict
the heights of buildings to maintain a certain scale. How did planning define the character of
the place in which you grew up?
Growing up in Rochester New York, the one thing that everyone seemed to have in
common was a relative that worked at Kodak. Rochester was almost designed around this
major company, and some of the recently renovated apartments downtown are old buildings
that used to be used by the company. There is a heavy concentration of residential
buildings around Kodak, and the suburbs I live in were actually created to house the
workers. Now that kodak is falling out of the picture, many of these suburbs are developing
their own businesses and becoming new towns, with people that work there, instead of
commuting downtown.
Classmate (Yifan Hu)- What is your opinion of this change? Is this a good tendency for urban
developing?
I think it has really benefited my town! I know many people are upset that more
commercial businesses are moving closer, but the ease of access to stores or restaurants near
my house is amazing. In general, this whole idea could be bad in that land is being occupied at
an alarming rate, but on a small, personal scale I think it’s great!
http://www.rochestersubway.com/to
pics/2011/04/kodak-tower-extreme-
makeover/
https://americasbestcommunities.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/09/Webster-NY-downtown-300x200.jpg

12. Response: Pruitt Igoe Project, Talen, and Larson
Imagine that you are part of a 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 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?
Talen would go for a more complex approach, having a wide variety of buildings and
structures in the city. Larson however would attempt to make small buildings the can hold as
many people as possible or are more efficient in their jobs or roles. My strategy would be to
take the small building idea, not necessarily cramp all these people together, but to cut out the
high-rise lifestyle that people couldn’t adapt to. In addition to this, i would also create
distractions from everyday life such ads concert halls, parks, sporting facilities, and other types
of entertainment. My strategies would be more effective then the original urban planners, due
to the involvement of ”distractions”, or in other words, things to take people’s minds off the
bad things about their environment. Planners cant plan out a perfect city. It can be near
perfect, but there will always be problems. Parks and sporting facilities provide a way to ignore
and forget. After all, “ignorance is bliss” …
http://www.pruitt-
igoe.com/press/print/3000px_IconicI
mplosion_Pruitt-IgoeMyth_Credit-
STL-Post-Dispatch.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped
ia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Pruitt-
igoeUSGS02.jpg/350px-Pruitt-
igoeUSGS02.jpg

13. Response: 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?
Olmsted stated that buffalo was the best planned city, because it incorporated his
favorite things in a city. He loved how cities use parks and green spaces to make a city more
beautiful, and while not very apparent today in my opinion, buffalo apparently had back then.
He had this fantastic idea to cope with the lackluster "central park" idea, moving the city itself
into the center of a massive park. He loved how buildings and roads were broken up by
beautiful lush green spaces that took people’s eyes off of civilization. Personally, i don't think he
would make the same claim today. I feel that buffalo has lost this affect due to urban sprawl
and the construction of roads through the former green spaces, and has lost the city within a
park idea because of all the roads sprawling across the city and neighboring cities. I feel buffalo
is in desperate need of more parks, and really think Olmsted would be very upset to see what
has happened since his time.
https://s-media-cache-
ak0.pinimg.com/originals/8e/aa/22/8
eaa2249021bbf553ff09cda61a2fcf8.jp
g
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Buffalo_skyline_2014.jpg/1116px-Buffalo_skyline_2014.jpg

14. Response: 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).
My favorite landscape in my hometown is the Genesee falls. They are
absolutely breathtaking on some days, and are located right in downtown Rochester. The falls
are often ignored on a person’s daily commute to work, or passed over while traveling. The falls
were so important in the development of Rochester, and people forget how necessary it was.
Going along with the theme of the “Triad of Investigation”, the falls have now become “every
day and mundane” and are in need of a re-landscaping. I think the old abandoned buildings
surrounding it should be taken down, parks and green spaces need to be put in place of it, and
plaques commemorating the first businesses and business leaders should be put up on display
to show where Rochester started. By creating a memorial, this now becomes another part of
the Triad, “Commemorate”. There is even a massive cave under the falls if you can get there,
which would be a great tourist spot if the area could be cleaned up. There is a lot of
revenue that can be made from prettying up the place, and I would love to see it used to its full
potential. The falls have been seen as every day and mundane, and I would like to see them be
a highlight of Rochester like they were so long ago. I would also use the other parts of the triad,
in that I would commemorate the businessmen and founders of Rochester, as well as celebrate
the life it brought us.
http://falzguy.com/high-falls.jpg
http://www.rochestersubway.com/topics/2012/11/exp
loring-the-caves-of-rochester-ny/

15. Response: The Brookes
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 is a cartoon about cops and black men, and the less common viewpoint that
people have. Personally, I believe that cops are being incriminated for crimes that the few
commit and applaud this cartoon. This took me awhile to find, because this viewpoint is
very rare nowadays due to the constant harassment police officers get. This cartoon
explains the idea behind racial injustice, and how black men are stereotyped to be crime
committing individuals, and complain about the idea, yet blame all cops for the "crimes" a
few commit. I personally believe that police officers are here to protect people, and if
people just trusted the system that everything would work out fine. Many stories are often
altered or cut short to favor the racial profiling ideas and movements, because it seems
thats all people want to hear about now. The opposing viewpoint would be most
underprivileged black men or women who have been brought to believe that police are out
to hurt them, and would see this comic as insulting or wrong. The difference is how we
were raised.
Side Note: After being informed by Professor Tauke,
I looked up the blue live matter movement!
I have heard a lot recently about the black lives
matter campaign, however i have not been aware of
the blue lives matter campaign! I just read about
them on their website and I’m assuming it was a
satirical response to the black lives matter
movement. I do feel that this movement would be
seen in a better light if it was a standalone
movement, as opposed to a response to another
movement. The issue is, because they created it
(almost in opposition to BLM), they received
negative feedback and support from the BLM
supporters. Had they created a movement with a
different title and not in opposition to BLM i feel
they could gain a lot more support. I think this
whole thing has become a two-sided argument,
where there are definitely rights and wrongs on
both sides. Police need to stop profiling in inner
cities, but at the same time we can’t throw away
authority as soon as one man pulls a trigger. I also
feel the media are at fault for a lot of this. While on
the blue lives matter website, I saw an obituary for
a black police officer killed by a white man. Not
televised, not discussed, not known. Had these skin
colors been reversed it would be headlines. I think
that if the blue lives matter movement was created
at a different time, it could get a lot of great
support.
https://s-
media-
cache-
ak0.pinimg.c
om/originals
/ac/4c/f3/ac
4cf3224745f
0eaacf90aaa
abbab2d2.jp
g

16. Response: Charles Davis and equityXdesign’s
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.)
EquityXDesign believes that a designer can portray an idea or message through a design
in a few ways. One is historical context. In terms of the MLK memorial, the historical context is
not exactly present in abundance. It kind of stands out like a sore thumb, and has no context to
as to why it’s there. The other idea is Racial inclusion, or how a design breaks apart social ideas
and boundaries to resonate an idea though all races and backgrounds. The MLK monument
does a decent job at this, making all races and genders understand the importance of what he
did by the plaque on the monument, but the monument itself should make the viewer feel this
way. The monument should stand out as a shining tribute to his work, not look like a deformed
melted down version of him standing there. Foreseeing is also a big part of the design factors as
well, and how it will influence the future. This monument doesn't directly impact the future,
but it definitely could be interpreted in a way that would improve the future. My one critique of
the monument is that it doesn’t hit the aspects right on the dot, as in it doesn’t fit any criteria
perfectly. The monument could have been done much better in my opinion, a way that has long
lasting effects, and one that displays a clear coherent message just by glancing at it, instead of
requiring a full inspection of the plaque underneath.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c
2/MLK_Memorial_NPS_photo.jpg

17. Response: 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’. Is this place something that you will continue when you
establish your own home? Why or why not? Now let’s move into your community. 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. Is this cultural influence being
acknowledged or preserved from future generations? Why or why not?
Not many places in my home really stand out when i think about this question, besides
my dad’s bar down in the basement. I remember helping him build it a few years back, and we
made sure to include some of my grandmothers Irish "trinkets" and an Irish flag into the design.
We have these trinkets on a shelf right above the bar so everyone can see them, accompanied
by some old photos of my grandmothers. My father has always loved his Irish roots, and the
theme for the bar was a no brainier don't know if i will build a similar bar in my home, but I do
know that I will in cooperate Irish roots into my home for certain. Near me one place instantly
came to mind. there is a street corner where someone has created artwork/sculptures that
second as benches. These benches/sculptures are different symbols for different sexualities
such as gay, bisexual, lesbian and so on. Behind these symbols shaped benches are silhouettes
of gay or lesbian couples holding hands pained on the brick wall. Personally, I think this is, in a
way, preserving the cultural ideas in permanent sculptures. Theses aren’t simply posters or
signs, these are here to stay. People years from now will see these, and they will continue to
remind people of the underrepresented group.
While I could not find a photo of the exact
benches I mentioned, this is a similar idea that is
also in downtown Rochester.
http://www.rochesterpublicart.com/images/publ
ic_art/pride_symbols.jpg

18. Response: 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?
Personally, I don’t care what a team calls itself. If it’s not outlandishly offensive, then go
for it. I feel that most of these name changes are made because of legal issues, and
discrimination based on race. I feel that a name change actually upsets more people than it
makes happy, but saves the team money in legal fees. People recently take offense to a lot of
things, but they have to realize none of these team’s names are meant to be derogatory. It’s a
tough subject, and it’s all about where the line is drawn between outlandishly offensive and an
ethnic reference. However, I would like to make it known that if a person is taught to “not be so
easily offended”, then it is possible that that person will accept his nationality or heritage to be
inferior or lesser than others, which is most certainly not what I mean. My point is, if its as
simple as the name of a team, who really cares. As long as they aren’t out there calling
themselves Indians and mocking a race, call yourself whatever you want. But if it really is
offensive to many people, not just yourself, then I think it should be changed.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6f
/Washington_Redskins_1000_reverse.png

19. DadwadwdwadResponse: Visualizing Gender
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?
This graphic is very "busy" and is very compact with TONS of information. It wants you to walk through the life of a transgender person,
and see what life is like though their eyes. It also used the approach of presentation of data. Among the flowchart it creates, facts and ideas are
pointed out or given to the reader that backs up the end point. This point being that it is tough in society to be a transgender person. I think this
approach is definitely affective, but is also very long and takes a long time of reading to get the point across. This graphic could be improved by
shortening it, or making more punctual points. I personally enjoy this graphic, but it definitely would take an already pre-motivated person to
take the time to read it in its entirety, and needs to be a bit shorter.
https://ublearns.buffalo.edu/courses/1/2171_14992_COMB/db/_3667727_1/embedded/w
alk-in-our-shoes_52f542b8c41c3_w1500.jpg

20. Response: Bathroom Bill
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?
Why? Bathrooms are assigned by gender for a reason, so that everyone in there feels
comfortable. I’m sorry if you feel that as a transgender girl you can walk into a girl’s bathroom,
but the girls in there might not feel comfortable. The bathroom is a place for privacy and not a
place for people to worry about what’s going on or what can happen. If a sexual predator
dresses up as a man/woman and walks into a different bathroom, it can cause a serious threat
of sexual assault.
Why not? Some transgender people choose to be something their birth certificate says
they are not, and might have difficulty choosing which bathroom to use. These people believe
that gender is mental, and not physical, and that they can be whoever they want and should be
allowed to go in wherever they want.
As a designer: I would go for the individual rooms route. Make them similar to the
handicapped stalls near the dorms of UB. Individual rooms where you have the whole room to
yourself and are in no contact with others. This way anyone can use each stall and not worry
about discrimination or threats of privacy loss.
http://i2.cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/1605
16090647-transgender-bathroom-graphic-4-full-
169.jpg
http://api.theweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/
tw_image_9_4/public/bathroom_iStock_0000783
54575_Large.jpg?itok=8Wdiunz4&resize=1260x56
0

21. Response: Tammy’s Story
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, iPD(Integrated
Planning and Design). You have been tasked to develop/design a way for Tammy Crabtree and
her family (and others with situations similar to Tammy’s) to move themselves out of poverty.
What will your team do to help Tammy and her family achieve their goals? What approach will
your team take to address this difficult problem?
First off, we need to find out if this family is motivated to better themselves and get off
of welfare. We know Tammy is, but the other families need to want to better themselves and
be committed to following the plan we set. First off, everyone needs to keep their jobs, and
those old enough to work need to both get jobs and hit the books. The children will need to be
very motivated as well, this wont be an easy task for them, and they wont nderstand the
importance of education till later in life. Tammy must keep tabs on them in school and outside
the classroom. Education is one of the only ways to make more money, and minimum wage
isn’t going to cut it. We would design an aided community with housing at low costs, and allow
the most amount of money possible to be saved for education. Tammy will go to a nearby
community college and the kids as well. Hopefully after a few years they can transfer on
scholarship and aid, and can get degrees. Our team will then help Tammy and the kids to get
jobs with the degrees they earned, and finally rise from poverty. In conclusion, our final plan for
Tammy’s family is to get a base salary and to work while getting an education, then provide
chances for her kids to better themselves, and continue the process along through her
grandkids and so on.
https://userscontent2.emaze.com/images/61aec0
74-8f19-4488-9a40-
8f559bff3f51/d079f94ddbff6091802dfd346ffdd23a
.jpg
http://hdwallpaperg.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/11/why-is-there-poverty-
in-the-united-states.jpg

22. Response: 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 photographs, and make certain that you
are in at least one of the two photographs
The first photo is of a building right next to the town hall. It has signs that say parking for
government officials only, and some "no sitting on grass" or "no standing" signs. This is a
prickly way of telling protesters and activists to stay away from the building and to not
protest nearby. This is most likely here because town hall is a common place to protest.
The second photo is of security cameras I noticed downtown, especially around “rough”
or lower income neighborhoods. These cameras were fixated on places where people may
steal, sleep or loiter around perhaps begging or money or just trying to catch a break and sleep.
These cameras discriminate against lower class citizens, because it puts them under constant
observation, a thing upper class people rarely get exposed to.
Taken by myself off of google maps street view
http://sc-
leads.com/hubs/themes/sp/scdealer/ima
ges/security-cameras-banner.jpg

23. Response: (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?
Some actions that could be taken to make the "new and improved" regent park to
ensure social integration among the senior ages are, 1.) create more seating areas and focal
points for people to go to and sit. To ensure use of these facilities I would place a focal point
to draw in people near them. This could be anything from a food stand to a monument, even
a fountain or just a unique tree or flower patch. The more area for possible social encounters
the better. 2.) Create more pathways where people can "bump" into one another. These
sparks random conversation and makes going to the park a more social experience. If
someone was to walk along a path, they would be much more likely to bump into another
person, as opposed to an open patch of grass where people walk wherever they please. Even
better would be the addition of fences along the path, to ensure confrontation of other
people, however this could destroy the open and natural feeling of the park.
https://s-media-cache-
ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7e/15/6d/7e156def919421
f59e4f58a12d0dd6ae.jpg
http://www.stowerec.o
rg/wp-
content/uploads/2016/
09/rec-path.jpg

24. Response: What will Humans Look Like
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?
Changing the lifespans of people would have a huge effect. Not only would we see a
huge spike in the number and size of apartment complexes and housing developments, but the
overall cost of living would skyrocket. The health care would be pretty hefty, not to mention the
total resources the world would use would go up, making the price go up. We would see more
public transportation, bigger roads for all the people, and more cars being driven as well.
Hopefully we make huge leaps and bounds before we see lifespans increasing, such as more
efficient crop growth in a limited space, cheaper medicine and greener vehicles to offset the
potential negatives.
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1324194/images/o-
DRIVERS-TRAFFIC-facebook.jpg
https://expertbeacon.com/sites/defa
ult/files/care_for_the_needs_of_the_
elderly_and_help_preserve_their_dig
nity.jpg

25. Response: Smithsonian, PTT, and Roy
For the Module 12 Thread 1, 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 o f the positive example and the specific
features of the negative example. Discuss ways that the positive example could be even
further improved.
2.) Flexibility in use:
A garage door and a garage is supposed to make life much easier, with uses such as
parking a car to get out of the snow or rain, or storing things on some shelves. However, older
garage doors have negative impacts on certain groups of people.
On the left is a picture of an old garage door with two handles. This type of door has to
be opened by hand, and the user must bend down, grab the handle, and push it up on the rails
to the ceiling. This is tough for many groups, such as the disabled, the elderly, young kids, or
even many shorter adults who cannot reach that high.
On the right is a better designed garage door, with a wireless opener, that activates a
motor to open the door. No manual labor is required besides pressing a button and lets all
groups use it effectively. This empowers the elderly and disabled, allowing them to open the
door at will and use their garage better, a feature they never had before.
Since I just did these, there’s not much I want to improve! I wrote these with this project in mind!
https://ublearns.buffalo.edu/courses/1/2171_14
992_COMB/db/_3697974_1/embedded/images.j
pg
https://ublearns.buffalo.edu/courses/1/2171_1499
2_COMB/db/_3697974_1/embedded/download.jpg

26. Response: Survey, FIXED, and Stelarc
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?
Personally, I think what makes humans so amazing is our uniqueness. We all have our
quirks and our downfalls, but that’s what makes us "us". If given the ability to design our
children, as messed up as that sounds, i think we will start creating the perfect child. Everyone
will have that star football player boy, or perfect gymnast girl. When we start modifying our
genes, these children no longer become "stars". I think it’s important to remember, throughout
history it has been shown that humans don’t like those who are different even in the smallest
of ways. This doesn’t matter if its negatively different, positively different, or even neutrally
different from the average human, we will discriminate against them or see them as lesser than
us. However, positively i feel like in the long run, when people all look similar, there will be less
discrimination due to the fact the no one will stand out. On the flip side however, there will be
a huge increase in discrimination in the short run, as everyone begins having "star" babies who
have perfect appearances. Ethically, as I stated before, I feel this is beyond wrong. We human
are made special by our "custom to us" features, and the idea that there is no one in the world
exactly like me or you.
Since I just did these, there’s not much I want to improve! I wrote these with this project in mind!
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uNr1PEgr69w/S7SPabUa
wpI/AAAAAAAAAEU/1Le79V3ohXo/s1600/img_3694.j
pg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jAhjPd4uNFY/
maxresdefault.jpg

27. Response: 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 (communication designers, product, designers, architects, interior designers,
planners, landscape designers, systems designers, and/or social designers)? In other words,
what might they gain from this film that they could use in their work?
This is a touchy subject, simply because of where it happened and how beneficial it
ended up being. I think he most certainly should have been able to film these people, since they
have no way of giving permission to do it, and technically their "legal guardian" did. However
this is on some scale a huge invasion of privacy, and i think the compromise to only show this
film to professionals was the best move. The film benefited all those who worked there, they
can refine their treatment of inmates, the layout and design of cells or blocks can be created
more effectively, and doctors or psychologists could better understand what’s going on in
there. My classmate, Yifan Hu, asked me whether or not a research report of the film would be
better for the pubic, rather than the video itself. I love this idea! It’s a great way to show
everyone while keeping privacy intact!
http://www.mentalhealthportland.or
g/wp-
content/uploads/2013/12/Coffee-
Creek-inside.jpg
http://www.hdrinc.com/sites/all/files/content/
projects/images/2168-sheridan-correctional-
center-housing-unit-1811.jpg

28. Response: Autism and Neighborhoods
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?
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”?
Well i am very biased on this subject, since my mother is a special education teacher, and have
grown up around children and adults with disabilities since i was young. Now, the question of
would i live near a group house of intellectually challenged adults? Most certainly i would, in
fact i would love it if i had enough free time to get to know them. Most people with disabilities
are very easy to talk to once you figure out their story, despite whatever issues they might face.
Old habits can be hard to break, and ill be the first to admit, no one wants them to make a
scene in front of young children, but they can’t help it. If the town is this supportive of the
house being built, then I’m sure they will fund for amazing helpers and teachers for these
people. If people who are experienced with working with these people are hired to help them
daily, then there will be nearly no issues in the neighborhood, I’m sure of it. This vote failed, as

29. most would imagine, and i cannot blame my neighbors for it. People want their privacy and
they hear this and get worried. Property values go down, people lose money.... it’s just life. But,
who's to take the life away from these people with disabilities? An alternate solution is to move
the house where there is no neighborhoods, but to still get volunteer groups to go and have
dinner with them or do weekly events such as game nights and so on. These people want a
sense of community, and if the community isn't ready for them, bring those who are ready to
them.
*(Did not follow format, couldn’t fit the whole response in and didn’t want to shorten it. I’m
very passionate about this subject and love this discussion!)
https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/images/features/thumbnail_agi_jam
eylee_jeremy_music_therapy.jpg?1473966952

30. Response: Religion and Urban Planning
Identify a place of worship with which you are somewhat familiar. (If you are not
familiar with any places of worship, do a bit of research on one in your own city or town.)
Show a photograph of this religious structure. (You may use photographs from the web.)
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?
The church i attended growing up was St. Pauls Church in Webster NY. This church was
actually about a quarter mile down the road from my house and remember going every Sunday
with my family, walking down to see all the cars parked down my street and
neighboring streets. This church hasn’t changed much, but they definitely have been a newer,
more up to date establishment. They used large speakers, they have sermons with no music so
people can get out quicker, and the main purpose that my family uses the church for now are
their donation bins. They have a partnership with the homeless shelters nearby, and they take
donations of food and clothing and give it to those in need. While i don’t exactly know how this
church developed the town i live in, i know it is certainly a huge part in keeping it running. In
the future i see this place staying how it is, maybe adapting to focus more on donations and
distribution, but for the most part it has its roles and won’t be changing.
https://ublearns.buffalo.edu/courses/1/217
1_14992_COMB/db/_3716420_1/embedde
d/ls.jpg

31. Response: Prospects for Future Diversity and Design
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?
My intended major is civil engineering, which has some very broad
applications. Whether it be renewable resources, new structural design to last the test of time,
or repairing the highway infrastructure across America, these are no easy tasks. I want to focus
on fixing the decaying and broken roads across America. There are tons of bridges and traffic
structures that are soon to be out of commission, due to either poor future planning, lack of
care, or poor design. My plan for my studies and professional life? Make the biggest impact
possible. I want to make a difference, whether the average person knows it on their commute
to work, i want to take part in it. Being able to fix roads and bridges, or even design new ones to
avoid traffic problems, sounds very rewarding to me. How i will address it? I begin a job at an
engineering company here in buffalo in 2 weeks, placing road meters and doing traffic analysis
on road nearby here. I want to learn the ins and outs of the process, and do my part in building
a better future for all of us.
http://r1.foodlogistics.com/files/base/FL/im
age/2015/11/16x9/640x360/highway_infras
tructure.563ce001d5bf5.jpg

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