Matthew B
- Research Program Mentor
MFA at Rhode Island School of Design
Expertise
Graphic design, data science, sustainability, participatory design, information design, sound design, film making, photography, creative writing, user experience design
Bio
I am a multidisciplinary designer, musician, and researcher working in the area of ecology, landscape, and sustainability. My research focuses on participatory and playful approaches to sensing, mapping, communicating, and understanding complex environmental systems for the purpose of sustainable development and decision-making, making use of both quantitative data and "warm data" (stories, experiences, ect). I am especially interested in working with students who want to cross the boundary between design, art, and science in order to create impact-driven and storytelling projects that respond to the local needs of communities and the environment. A particular emphasis is in incorporating perspectives from the more-than-human world (animals and plants), as well as voices from the historically marginalized communities. I am a part-time Professor at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Northeastern University where I teach in regenerative design and storytelling, including skills like sound design, graphic design, photography, film making, data science, and creative writing. I was mentored in sound design and music production by Bradley Zero, founder of London-based Rhythm Section International and DJ at NTS Radio. I am an active member of ETH Zurich’s Designing Resilient Regenerative Systems group, TB21–Academy’s Ocean/UNI, and the Yale Forest Forum. On the side, I makes music, visual art, and photographs. I love movement and the outdoors and you will most likely find me playing tennis, running, doing yoga, hiking, or sailing.Project ideas
Storytelling for Impact (Presentation)
We will learn how to create a clear and compelling visual presentation or pitch-deck for your academic research or business idea. We will consider design elements such as typography, form, color, scale, custom infographic design, and imagery while shaping a narrative for your intended audience. We will also discuss brand identity and you will practice your public speaking skills.
Storytelling for Impact (Sound Design)
In this project we will create an audio podcast for a social impact cause of your choice. The theme could be, for example, ocean conservation, land use, food, heritage, fashion, or cultural memory. After researching the issue extensively, you will then express you own viewpoint through the medium of sound. You will learn how to weave elements such as voice, environmental sounds, and music together to create an emotional and immersive narrative soundscape. The end result could be a sound story or podcast series which inspires action and awareness around your selected sustainability theme.
Storytelling for Impact (Information Design)
In this project we will create a custom information design for a social impact cause of your choice. After researching the issue extensively, you will then express you own viewpoint through the format of information design. This will challenge you to portray complex information clearly and creatively to an intended audience. We will source appropriate data, analyze it, storyboard visualization concepts, and develop a custom information graphic or a series of them. The end result could be a digital image or poster which inspires action and awareness around your selected sustainability theme. We will also discuss themes like "greenwashing" and how to avoid it.
Storytelling for Impact (Photo Series)
Through this project you will create a custom photo series for a social impact cause. First pick a local or global sustainability issue that is focused on sustainability and impact. After researching the issue extensively, you will then learn to express you own viewpoint through the medium of photography. Through this project we will discuss strategies for photographic research, developing a strong concept, shooting tips, image composition, and image editing. The end result could be a digital or printed photographic series which inspires action and awareness around your selected sustainability theme.
