At MIT, the design class 4.500, taught by Professor Larry Sass from the Department of Architecture, exemplifies a rigorous exploration of design through the lens of computational tools like 3D modeling and animation. This course challenges students to ideate, plan, and prototype, using the chair as a primary focus due to its balance of aesthetic and functional demands. Students learn to navigate the complexities of design, from defining problems to creating tangible solutions, employing various software tools to develop and test their ideas. By designing chairs, they not only gain practical skills in digital and physical prototyping but also engage deeply with design as a creative process that combines utility with experiential quality. Throughout the course, students produce both scale models and full-scale prototypes, refining their designs based on material constraints and ergonomic considerations. This educational journey not only imparts technical skills but also fosters a nuanced understanding of design as a holistic approach to problem-solving.

https://news.mit.edu/2024/mit-students-learn-from-crafting-a-chair-0322