How might we design alternatives for AI infrastructure?
3x3 is excited to join Unified Ground, with support from GROUND3D, at Make Shift 2026 on May 21 at the School of Visual Arts MFA Interaction Design program in New York City—join us as we facilitate a hands-on workshop: AI as Civic Infrastructure: Designing the Community Data Center.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in civic life, the infrastructure behind it—from data centers to energy systems to governance models—remains largely centralized and outside of public control. This workshop will ask: who owns it, who benefits from it, and what would it take to build new strategies and systems that are accountable to the communities they serve?
MakeShift 2026 also features plenary talks on civic infrastructure and the limits of design thinking, breakouts on deliberative public engagement and responsive environments, and an exhibition with interactive installations
📍 New York City
📅 May 20–21, 2026
Link in comments.
#MakeShift2026 #AccountableTech #CivicTech #ResponsibleAI #ParticipatoryDesign #DTPR #CommunityDataCenter #TechWorkers #AILiberation
It’s all happening 👀 🔨✨
The class of 2026 is busy in the studio putting the final touches on their exhibition displays.
You can see all 20 projects at NOW WHAT? ixD Class of 2026 Thesis Exhibition tomorrow and Friday (May 7 + 8) from 4:00-8:00 pm 💛 RSVP at the link in bio!
#MFAInteractionDesign #SVAixD #InteractionDesign
VUE | Sihan Pan
Vue builds a portrait of your personal visual preferences and translates it into guidance that anyone holding the camera can follow. The results is that the photo you end up with actually feels like the one you had in mind.
Now What? ixD Class of 2026 Thesis Exhibition | May 7 + 8 | 4:00-8:00 pm
With coding and image generation instantaneous and seemingly infinite, designers are re-claiming and re-defining their role as critical problem-solvers, authentic community builders, and unique storytellers. As new design tools spawn at a dizzying pace, the question is no longer how to design–but why, with whom, and to what end?
#SVAixD #MFAInteractionDesign #SchoolofVisualArts #InteractionDesign
MISE | Xiaoya Sun
An AI-assisted system that enables cooking creators to translate inspiration into structured, actionable video production. Mise supports technical workflow, while preserving authorship and resisting creative homogenization.
Now What? ixD Class of 2026 Thesis Exhibition | May 7 + 8 | 4:00-8:00 pm
With coding and image generation instantaneous and seemingly infinite, designers are re-claiming and re-defining their role as critical problem-solvers, authentic community builders, and unique storytellers. As new design tools spawn at a dizzying pace, the question is no longer how to design–but why, with whom, and to what end?
#SVAixD #MFAInteractionDesign #SchoolofVisualArts #InteractionDesign
Tonight in the ixD studio ✨ Andrés Cuervo and Omar Rizwan will present a short talk and demo of Folk Computer, an open source physical computing operating system. They’ll talk about their explorations into computing using real-world objects, working with SVA students, and the future of open source spatial computing.
If you are already in the studio for the 2026 thesis exhibition, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about this emerging technology ✨
RSVP at the Linktree in bio 🌐
#FolkComputer #PhysicalComputing #MFAInteractionDesign #SVAixD
Across Time | Ying Chung
Across Time helps families across time zones share pieces of their day. Pulling data points from apps they already use, Mimo delivers messages at at mirrored moments, rather than instantly. Between exchanges, visual cues show the shape of each other’s day so both sides can know when the other is available.
Now What? ixD Class of 2026 Thesis Exhibition | May 7 + 8 | 4:00-8:00 pm
With coding and image generation instantaneous and seemingly infinite, designers are re-claiming and re-defining their role as critical problem-solvers, authentic community builders, and unique storytellers. As new design tools spawn at a dizzying pace, the question is no longer how to design–but why, with whom, and to what end?
#SVAixD #MFAInteractionDesign #SchoolofVisualArts #InteractionDesign
bal·ance/ˈbalən(t)s/ | Yuval Zetone
This research explores how a tangible and responsive object can serve as an anchor for the mind during periods of cognitive overload, redirecting attention to focus without interrupting workflow.
Now What? ixD Class of 2026 Thesis Exhibition | May 7 + 8 | 4:00-8:00 pm
With coding and image generation instantaneous and seemingly infinite, designers are re-claiming and re-defining their role as critical problem-solvers, authentic community builders, and unique storytellers. As new design tools spawn at a dizzying pace, the question is no longer how to design–but why, with whom, and to what end?
#SVAixD #MFAInteractionDesign #SchoolofVisualArts #InteractionDesign
BRIDGING THE DISTANCE | Nikki Ross
Bridging the gap of physical distance, this project reimagines how technology can hold space for the subtle, emotional nuances of a long-distance relationship. It moves beyond simple video calls to create tangible, interactive moments that help partners feel truly present in each other’s daily lives.
Now What? ixD Class of 2026 Thesis Exhibition | May 7 + 8 | 4:00-8:00 pm
With coding and image generation instantaneous and seemingly infinite, designers are re-claiming and re-defining their role as critical problem-solvers, authentic community builders, and unique storytellers. As new design tools spawn at a dizzying pace, the question is no longer how to design–but why, with whom, and to what end?
RSVP for the thesis exhibition at the link in bio.
#SVAixD #MFAInteractionDesign #SchoolofVisualArts #InteractionDesign
NODE | Nanki Wang
To bridge the post-surgical care gap, this project introduces a wearable and SaaS ecosystem that provides precise lymphedema tracking and structured psychological support for breast cancer rehabilitation. It also helps patients visualize their recovery as a way to mitigate anxiety during physical changes.
Now What? ixD Class of 2026 Thesis Exhibition | May 7 + 8 | 4:00-8:00 pm
With coding and image generation instantaneous and seemingly infinite, designers are re-claiming and re-defining their role as critical problem-solvers, authentic community builders, and unique storytellers. As new design tools spawn at a dizzying pace, the question is no longer how to design–but why, with whom, and to what end?
RSVP for the thesis exhibition at the link in bio.
#SVAixD #MFAInteractionDesign #SchoolofVisualArts #InteractionDesign
WISER | Houpu ‘Hope’ Wang
Wiser is a proactive ambient AI agent for the home that senses context and acts before being asked. It is designed around a careful balance between autonomy and user control, using adjustable agency, evolving local memory, and non-intrusive physical interactions to support a more convenient and human-centered future.
Now What? ixD Class of 2026 Thesis Exhibition | May 7 + 8 | 4:00-8:00 pm
With coding and image generation instantaneous and seemingly infinite, designers are re-claiming and re-defining their role as critical problem-solvers, authentic community builders, and unique storytellers. As new design tools spawn at a dizzying pace, the question is no longer how to design–but why, with whom, and to what end?
RSVP for the thesis exhibition at the link in bio.
#SVAixD #MFAInteractionDesign #SchoolofVisualArts #InteractionDesign
DESIGNING FOR EVERYDAY CONNECTION | Issa Abu Aita
Designing for Everyday Connection is a system of experiences that invites parents and children into shared moments of engagement and play throughout the day, with low-friction digital and physical products.
Now What? ixD Class of 2026 Thesis Exhibition | May 7 + 8 | 4:00-8:00 pm
With coding and image generation instantaneous and seemingly infinite, designers are re-claiming and re-defining their role as critical problem-solvers, authentic community builders, and unique storytellers. As new design tools spawn at a dizzying pace, the question is no longer how to design–but why, with whom, and to what end?
RSVP for the thesis exhibition at the link in bio.
#SVAixD #MFAInteractionDesign #SchoolofVisualArts #InteractionDesign
