Developing a Design Center

The goal of this project was to determine the feasibility of a global design-themed Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) center for WPI project teams by exploring opportunities in Japan as a pilot program. This was achieved by investigating interest in design at WPI, analyzing the current IQP system, and identifying project opportunities in Japan. We determined that a global design-themed IQP center was feasible due to the student and faculty interest in a design program within WPI, and that Japan is a suitable pilot location because of the unique design philosophies and project opportunities that exist in Kyoto. Therefore, we recommend that our sponsors follow our plan to create the Design Center, which will provide design projects at IQP centers around the globe, beginning with Japan