The center brings students together with educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, businesses, and free thinkers who are committed to education, collaboration, and pursuing ideas with solutions not yet defined.
The CDP's goal is to engage students in the process of problem solving, ultimately using the power of design to make a positive impact on society; the center's process engages students, faculty, and partners through research, experimentation, collaboration, and solutions.
In 2008, the CDP completed projects for Biodiesel University, NADA Bikes, and the Urban Forest Project. Ongoing projects that will be completed in spring 2009 include Arts Every Day, Healthy Homes, and Hero/Sappi.
CURRENT PROJECTS BEGINNING IN SPRING 2009
Ken's Kids, Inc.
The CDP is providing resources and knowledge in research, strategy, design and communication to assist Ken's Kids, Inc, in creating a national, consistent, visual presence. Ken's Kids, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides training and support within the Home Depot stores to young adults with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 21. The goal of the program is to teach candidates to learn to work independently and to become valued employees of The Home Depot.
Maryland Energy Administration
The CDP is assisting the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) with research, strategy, and communication outcomes for the administration's current large-scale initiative to address issues related to energy efficiency; specifically, the MEA seeks to educate and inspire the state's citizens to be more energy efficient and ultimately life more sustainable lifestyles. The primary objective of this project is to promote energy efficient where you live, targeting specific audiences within Baltimore, including students who rent in the city.
Additional Information
Featured Project
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Biodeisel University
Fall ’07, Spring ’08
The CDP team was challenged with making Biodiesel University tangible and communicate it's potential to funders and sponsors. The team, which included students from graphic design, environmental design, video, and animation, developed a new brand strategy and identity that communicates the initiative's authenticity and relevance to potential funders and sponsors.
Students designed a logo and identity standards, scalable sponsor package, various promotional items (including t-shirts, a deck of cards, soap), website, sponsor video, interior and exterior bus designs, as well as 3D animations and renderings of the bus. These materials became a tangible and effective tool kit to spread the word and sell the idea.
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