ClearVision Optical partnered with Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design for a second time on Applied Human-Centered Design, a course focused on designing eyewear for diverse wearers through research-driven methodologies.
Led by June He, assistant professor of product design and founding director of the Empathic CoDesign Lab, the course examines the physical, psychological, perceptual, and behavioral factors that inform product development. This term, students are applying those principles to eyewear design.
“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with ClearVision Optical over the past 2 years in my roles as both an eyewear designer and a product design professor,” said He. “Through this collaboration, our students have created many original and creative eyewear designs. They have also been deeply inspired by opportunities to visit major trade shows in New York City.”
The collaboration began with a virtual presentation from David Friedfeld, president and co-owner of ClearVision Optical, along with members of the company’s team. Students were introduced to a project brief centered on designing eyewear for diverse users. Over the course of the term, they will conduct contextual research, qualitative interviews, facial structure analysis, affinity mapping, and usability testing to develop inclusive design concepts.
ClearVision designers will participate throughout the semester by providing feedback during virtual critiques and midterm reviews. Students will also complete landscape analyses, develop interview guides, engage with experts and end users, analyze qualitative data, and create concept prototypes based on user needs and human-factors considerations.
The curriculum emphasizes participatory and empathic design practices. Students will perform anthropometric assessments, refine designs through heuristic analysis and user testing, and produce a process poster and brand book that documents their research, iteration, and collection identity. The course will conclude with a final presentation and exhibition at Drexel University, where students will present their work to a panel of industry professionals, including ClearVision leadership.