design
design on Wazzu: a running collection of 2 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on design in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Washington State University (WSU) is a leading public land-grant research university in Pullman, WA, known for its strong programs in agriculture, environmental science,… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around design, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Wazzu is covering right now.
Q&A: UW professors explain how we’re misreading the energy crisis
## Beyond the Barrel: Understanding the Energy Crisis Through a Human Lens The headlines scream about energy shortages and rising costs, but are we truly grasping the *why* behind today’s crises? A new Q&A with University of Washington professors Dominic Muren and Adrienne Russell offers a vital perspective, moving beyond purely scientific explanations to examine the societal factors at play. Muren, a teaching professor of design, and Russell, a professor of communication, bring expertise in human behavior and systems thinking to the complex issue of fossil fuel dependence. Their conversation with UW News reveals that the current energy landscape isn’t just about supply and demand; it’s a reflection of our ingrained societal structures and communication patterns. They argue that transitioning to a "solar-powered system" requires more than just technological innovation—it demands a fundamental shift in how we understand and interact with energy. This Q&A is a critical read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges we face. It’s a refreshing approach, one that acknowledges the human element often overlooked in discussions about climate change and resource scarcity. For further insights into navigating environmental challenges, check out our previous Q&A, "As smoke blankets Washington, UW experts share how they navigate wildfire season," which highlights the expertise of UW faculty addressing another pressing regional concern.
Berkeley Report Says Trusting Campus Climate ‘Vital’ to University’s Mission
## Building Trust: A New Berkeley Report Highlights Campus Climate's Central Role A newly released report from Berkeley emphasizes a crucial point for universities nationwide: a trusting campus climate isn't just a “nice-to-have,” it’s *vital* to fulfilling the institution’s core mission. The report, released this week, argues that fostering a sense of safety, belonging, and open communication directly impacts student success, faculty retention, and overall institutional effectiveness. The findings highlight that a climate of trust is built on consistent, transparent communication, equitable resource allocation, and a demonstrated commitment to addressing concerns – especially those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Simply put, students and faculty are more likely to thrive when they feel heard, respected, and supported. The report identifies three key pillars for building this trust: **1) Proactive Communication:** Regularly sharing information and soliciting feedback. **2) Responsive Leadership:** Addressing concerns swiftly and transparently. **3) Inclusive Practices:** Ensuring all members of the campus community feel valued and represented. Interestingly, the report’s conclusions align with recent observations about the benefits of leadership experience outside academia—as seen in our previous article, “College Leaders Get a Boost From Corporate Board Service”—suggesting that diverse perspectives can be key to building a more resilient and trustworthy campus environment. Ultimately, the Berkeley Report serves as a clear call to action for universities to prioritize campus climate as a foundational element of their success.