Design x Technology Lecture: Carla Diana | Lawrence Technological University

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Carla Diana, a renowned robot designer and the founding head of 4D Design at Cranbrook Academy of Art, will be delivering a captivating lecture during our upcoming Design x Technology event. Titled "Designing Everyday Products with Social Robotics in Mind," this talk will offer a fresh perspective on product design in our daily lives, with a specific focus on social robotics. Drawing from her extensive experience in the field, Carla will present an array of case studies spanning various projects, ranging from thermostats to hospital robots. By adopting a holistic approach to design, she will demonstrate how teams can envision and create products that prioritize meaningful, intuitive, and enjoyable interactions. Carla will also offer insights from her book, "My Robot Gets Me: How Social Design Can Make New Products More Human" (HBR Press 2021), and provide a sneak peek into the labs at Cranbrook Academy of Art's unique masters program in 4D Design. This lecture promises a creative exploration of robotics and its relevance to everyday life, including its applications within the hospital setting. It will particularly resonate with creative designers and artists seeking to integrate technology into their work, technologists searching for real-world applications of robotics, as well as hospital and nursing professionals keen on enhancing workflow through robotics. Join us for this innovative lecture, which can be attended in person on our campus or virtually. Make sure to select the appropriate ticket option. Carla Diana, in addition to her role as the founder and head of the prestigious 4D Design program at Cranbrook Academy of Art, is a distinguished designer, author, and educator. Her expertise lies in exploring the impact of future technologies through hands-on experiments in product design and tangible interaction. Notably, Carla is the Design Advisor and former Head of Design for Diligent Robotics, a prominent company based in Austin, Texas, focusing on artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven robot assistants for healthcare workers. Her impressive portfolio also includes stints at innovation design firms like Smart Design and frog Design, where she contributed to the development of a wide range of products, from robots to connected home appliances. Carla's work has garnered widespread recognition, featuring on the covers of esteemed publications such as Popular Science, Technology Review, and The New York Times Sunday Review. Furthermore, Carla is a prolific writer and sought-after speaker, frequently delving into the social impact of robotics and emerging technology. Her latest book, "My Robot Gets Me: How Social Design Can Make New Products More Human" (HBR Press 2021), delves into design strategies for everyday products. Notably, she is the creator of the world's first children's book on 3D printing, "LEO the Maker Prince" (Maker Media 2014), and has co-hosted the Robopsych Podcast, which explores the design and psychological influence of human-robot interaction. Carla's current research focuses on autonomous vehicle systems as potential solutions for public transportation. She holds both an M.F.A. in 3D Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from the esteemed Cooper Union. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to gain valuable insights from Carla Diana, a true pioneer in the field of design and technology.