Ann Harakawa Teaches Spring 2020 Columbia GSAPP Class

Two Twelve Principal and Columbia University Adjunct Professor Ann Harakawa is co-teaching a class with Adjunct Assistant Professor Agnes Chang this semester in the Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP). Entitled “User-Centered Design for Emerging Digital-Physical Environments,” the weekly class lives at the intersection of traditional user-centered design methods and the continually developing technologies of augmented reality.  

The course asks the question: in the future, how will we interact with information in public spaces? It invites students to experiment with how augmented reality can inform human interactions. Themes will explore how to provide ‘just-in-time’ information, address the needs of private versus public spaces, improve accessibility, and streamline system and data interoperability. At the end of the semester, students will collaboratively design a prototype of an augmented reality experience for an NYC-based ‘client.’ 

Teaching design for an emerging technology is a constant learning process. “This is what makes the class so exciting,” Ann says. “We are on the cutting edge of AR and understanding its implications for public social life. It’s potential impact is uncharted territory, and as a wayfinding and information design specialist, it's inspiring to see where it might lead the field into the future.”