Fifteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

Attention-deficit disorder, anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity are common examples of disorders found in college campuses. Mental health issues in higher education nationwide have become so overwhelming that many counseling centers have increased the number of professionals to attend the new demands. Is there a particular major most represented? Are our art and design students the most frequent patients? Should we be alarmed? In 2016, research done on 64,519 graduate and undergraduate students at 81 colleges in the United States conducted by psychologists at University of Michigan showed that more than 45 percent of Art and Design students had the highest occurrence of mental health problems. A substantial number of studies validates the findings that art and design students are at greater risk of mental illness. In 2003, in a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that “the brains of creative people appear to be far more open to incoming stimuli than those of the noncreative…their extreme responsiveness to all situations makes them prone to anxiety and depression in the face of a distressing situation. ” In order to prevent distress in the classroom and create a more dynamic learning environment, we should explore different ways of teaching design. Introducing engaging teaching methods, restructuring classroom time, and using experiential learning assignments may help our students mentally and professionally. This paper examines traditional methods of assignments, critiques and class environment and proposes alternative approaches that encourage creativity in a nurturing environment.