Explore + Tour: Empathy in Design

Designers use empathy to create products with, by, and for users with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities, adapting challenges into opportunities to increase mobility, independence, and connectivity. Cooper Hewitt’s newest exhibition, Access+Ability, showcases recent innovative designs focused on creating unprecedented access for people to more fully engage in life through the application of advancements in research, technology, and fabrication processes.

K-12 educators will tour the exhibition and meet designers from Michael Graves Architecture & Design, who will discuss best practices for introducing empathy and jump-starting creative problem solving in the classroom.

Coffee & tea will be served. Breakfast and lunch are on your own.

Space is limited. Reserve your spot for this FREE event today!

Find out about Cooper Hewitt’s accessibility services.

Featured Image: Emma Watch (Prototype), 2016; Designed by Haiyan Zhang (Australian, born 1978) and Nicolas Villar (Colombian, born 1980); Manufactured by Microsoft Research (Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, founded 1975); 3D-printing, Custom PCB; Courtesy of Haiyan Zhang. | UK-based graphic designer Emma Lawton was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013 and lost the ability to draw and write her name due to active hand tremors. Microsoft researchers Haiyan Zhang and Nicolas Villar invented the Emma Watch, a wearable device that uses haptic vibration technology to allow Emma to regain the use of her hand. The team is hoping this and other technologies can dramatically improve the quality of life for more people.