Diverse group seated around table in a library, engaged in discussion with papers and laptops

Thomas Maiorana

Bald bearded man smiling in bright office, sticky notes and sketches on the wall

Associate Professor of Design
Faculty Undergraduate Adviser

  • Design
Room 260, Cruess Hall

Background

Tom Maiorana is an Associate Professor and the Faculty Undergraduate Adviser. His teaching and research focus on product design, design thinking, prototyping, and drawing. He is a member of the Systemic Design Association where he has served as a board member for three years. Tom has an MFA in Design from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts from Vassar College.

Expertise

Design Thinking, Prototyping, Product Development, Design Ethnography, Interaction Design, Prototyping Complex Systems, Entrepreneurship, Drawing

Research

Tom’s research explores the ways in which low-resolution prototypes can be used to influence complex systems. His work helps community partners engage with highly dynamic, complicated issues, most recently through a series of customized board games that help communities “rehearse” wildfire evacuations. This project was initially sponsored by the CITRIS, the National Science Foundation and CAL FIRE. The game has been distributed in English and Spanish across Oregon and California. Tom is currently working on a book about the ways that hand drawing serves as a tool for thinking in an era of increased automation.