This class uses the challenges imposed by extreme environments as a foundation for a pedagogical approach for teaching design. This effort is a model for the integration of design as a part of STEM and offers many relevant examples of the role that design and creativity can play in complex and highly constrained technical projects, as clearly demonstrated during past related courses offered in conjunction with NASA. These courses, internships and projects are a valuable and effective method for teaching design and help students learn essential skills for their future careers. Although not all design students go into aerospace or work for NASA, designers play an increasingly important role in STEM fields, particularly in the technology sector.
RISD offered a revision of the Design for Extreme Environments Industrial Design class; Design for Extreme Environments: Transcending Horizons. The ID class changes each year in response to a close collaboration between RISD and NASA personnel at NASA-JSC Habitability Design Center. The majority of the semester was devoted designing modules for NASAs Human Exploration Research Analogue and contributed to design for the Crew Accommodation Module.