Better World by Design is a student-led initiative at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design that celebrates the interdisciplinary collaboration between designers, educators, innovators, and learners.
Better World by Design is a student-led initiative at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design that celebrates the interdisciplinary collaboration between designers, educators, innovators, and learners.
We envision a world where design-thinking is accessible to everyone and aim to discuss, educate, and explore ways that design can center alternative narratives. Through our efforts, we hope to catalyze transformative change on local and global scales.
We envision a world where design-thinking is accessible to everyone and aim to discuss, educate, and explore ways that design can center alternative narratives. Through our efforts, we hope to catalyze transformative change on local and global scales.
Better World by Design is a student-led initiative at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design that celebrates the interdisciplinary collaboration between designers, educators, innovators, and learners.
We envision a world where design-thinking is accessible to everyone and aim to discuss, educate, and explore ways that design can center alternative narratives. Through our efforts, we hope to catalyze transformative change on local and global scales.
ABOUT
We envision a world where design-thinking is accessible to everyone and aim to discuss, educate, and explore ways that design can center alternative narratives. Through our efforts, we hope to catalyze transformative change on local and global scales.
Better World by Design is a student-led initiative at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design that celebrates the interdisciplinary collaboration between designers, educators, innovators, and learners.
We envision a world where design-thinking is accessible to everyone and aim to discuss, educate, and explore ways that design can center alternative narratives. Through our efforts, we hope to catalyze transformative change on local and global scales.
WHY KNOTS?
WHY KNOTS?
During the year, we facilitate workshops, panels, and discussions that engage in and promote design. These events culminate in an annual two-day conference that brings together designers, curators, scientists, makers, academics and students from across the country to inspire further conversation.
During the year, we facilitate workshops, panels, and discussions that engage in and promote design. These events culminate in an annual two-day conference that brings together designers, curators, scientists, makers, academics and students from across the country to inspire further conversation.
WHY KNOTS?
During the year, we facilitate workshops, panels, and discussions that engage in and promote design. These events culminate in an annual two-day conference that brings together designers, curators, scientists, makers, academics and students from across the country to inspire further conversation.
our story
our story
our story
In 2008, Sharon Langevin (Brown ’09), Steve Daniels (Brown ’09), Tino Chow (RISD ’09) and Mike Eng (RISD ’09) founded Better World by Design to merge their fields and solve social problems from a holistic perspective. Over the years, Better World by Design has expanded its reach while fostering a close partnership between Brown, RISD, and the Providence community.
In 2008, Sharon Langevin (Brown ’09), Steve Daniels (Brown ’09), Tino Chow (RISD ’09) and Mike Eng (RISD ’09) founded Better World by Design to merge their fields and solve social problems from a holistic perspective. Over the years, Better World by Design has expanded its reach while fostering a close partnership between Brown, RISD, and the Providence community.
In 2008, Sharon Langevin (Brown ’09), Steve Daniels (Brown ’09), Tino Chow (RISD ’09) and Mike Eng (RISD ’09) founded Better World by Design to merge their fields and solve social problems from a holistic perspective. Over the years, Better World by Design has expanded its reach while fostering a close partnership between Brown, RISD, and the Providence community.
TEAM MEMBERS 2024
TEAM MEMBERS 2024
TEAM MEMBERS 2024
CO-CHAIRS
CO-CHAIRS
CO-CHAIRS
Naemi Ditiatkovsky
Naemi Ditiatkovsky
(she/they)
(she/they)
(she/they)
Naemi is a senior from Berlin, Germany concentrating in Environmental Sciences and Computer Science at Brown. She is interested in circular water and energy systems in cities, geovisualization and computational architecture, as well as really anything related to sustainable design. On a free day, you can find her going on long walks, cooking with friends, and reading.
Naemi is a senior from Berlin, Germany concentrating in Environmental Sciences and Computer Science at Brown. She is interested in circular water and energy systems in cities, geovisualization and computational architecture, as well as really anything related to sustainable design. On a free day, you can find her going on long walks, cooking with friends, and reading.
Nicole Nedeff
Nicole Nedeff
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Nicole is a senior studying Industrial Design with a concentration in Sustainability Studies and Literature
at RISD. As a designer, she strives to create human-centered solutions with an emphasis on community engagement, education, and care. Lately, she’s been especially interested in experiential design, spatial organization, and systems design. When she’s not checking the weather app, you can find Nicole Facetiming her little sister and drowning her Jolly Roger’s rice bowl in gochujang aioli.
Nicole is a senior studying Industrial Design with a concentration in Sustainability Studies and Literature at RISD. As a designer, she strives to create human-centered solutions with an emphasis on community engagement, education, and care. Lately, she’s been especially interested in experiential design, spatial organization, and systems design. When she’s not checking the weather app, you can find Nicole Facetiming her little sister and drowning her Jolly Roger’s rice bowl in gochujang aioli.
Henry Ding
Henry Ding
(he/him)
(he/him)
(he/him)
Henry is a senior architecture student at RISD who hails from the land of the Great White North—Toronto, Canada. He’s interested in how architecture interrogates small and wide scale concepts of home, community, and domesticity. He seeks to embed these ideas into greater environmental, political, and literary contexts. Look for his bag if you're ever in need of spare X-Acto knives, books, cookies, Tylenol, Redbull, or destroyed computer equipment. He's happy to provide!
Henry is a senior architecture student at RISD who hails from the land of the Great White North—Toronto, Canada. He’s interested in how architecture interrogates small and wide scale concepts of home, community, and domesticity. He seeks to embed these ideas into greater environmental, political, and literary contexts. Look for his bag if you're ever in need of spare X-Acto knives, books, cookies, Tylenol, Redbull, or destroyed computer equipment. He's happy to provide!
CONTENT
CONTENT
CONTENT
Chaewon Bae
Chaewon Bae
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Meet Chaewon Bae from South Korea, a cheery third-year student at Brown University and an unabashed boba addict. Majoring in Visual Arts and Computer Science, she is fascinated by the intersection of these fields like UI/UX design and animation, particularly in procedural modeling and VFX. In her free time, you can find her practicing figure drawing, learning or practicing animation softwares, or miles deep into a YouTube or Art Station rabbit hole.
Meet Chaewon Bae from South Korea, a cheery third-year student at Brown University and an unabashed boba addict. Majoring in Visual Arts and Computer Science, she is fascinated by the intersection of these fields like UI/UX design and animation, particularly in procedural modeling and VFX. In her free time, you can find her practicing figure drawing, learning or practicing animation softwares, or miles deep into a YouTube or Art Station rabbit hole.
Gabrielle Harkless
Gabrielle Harkless
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Gabrielle Harkless is a third-year student at the Rhode Island School of Design currently studying Graphic Design with a concentration in Theory and History of Art and Design. Her artistic pursuits explore themes of gender, race, and identity, employing various multimedia techniques. As an experimental creator, Gabrielle pushes the boundaries of design and has a passion for integrating narratives into her work to engage a broader audience. When Gabrielle is not working she enjoys collecting magazine cutouts and obsessing over her dog Indigo.
Gabrielle Harkless is a third-year student at the Rhode Island School of Design currently studying Graphic Design with a concentration in Theory and History of Art and Design. Her artistic pursuits explore themes of gender, race, and identity, employing various multimedia techniques. As an experimental creator, Gabrielle pushes the boundaries of design and has a passion for integrating narratives into her work to engage a broader audience. When Gabrielle is not working she enjoys collecting magazine cutouts and obsessing over her dog Indigo.
Waverly Huang
Waverly Huang
With roots stemming from Pennsylvania-Beijing-Hunan, Waverly writes poetry on the Notes app, has too many blank canvases on Procreate, and an insatiable appetite for Peking duck + food so spicy it makes you cry. As a sophomore in Industrial Design, Waverly has a special interest in accessible design + an emphasis on user needs/research, and is currently exploring the world of UIUX Design (with a deep contempt for lightmode and the hot dog menu icon.)
With roots stemming from Pennsylvania-Beijing-Hunan, Waverly writes poetry on the Notes app, has too many blank canvases on Procreate, and an insatiable appetite for Peking duck + food so spicy it makes you cry. As a sophomore in Industrial Design, Waverly has a special interest in accessible design + an emphasis on user needs/research, and is currently exploring the world of UIUX Design (with a deep contempt for lightmode and the hot dog menu icon.)
Desirae Nyatenya
Desirae Nyatenya
Trained as a fine artist and debuting as a designer, Desirae Nyatenya is driven by passion and fueled by curiosity. She is an Industrial Design student @ the Rhode Island School of Design focusing on graphic, product, and interaction design. Outside of the creative studio, Desirae is likely watching international films, reading multiple books at the same time, trying new cuisines, or laughing with family/friends.
Trained as a fine artist and debuting as a designer, Desirae Nyatenya is driven by passion and fueled by curiosity. She is an Industrial Design student @ the Rhode Island School of Design focusing on graphic, product, and interaction design. Outside of the creative studio, Desirae is likely watching international films, reading multiple books at the same time, trying new cuisines, or laughing with family/friends.
Ethan Wei
Ethan Wei
(he/him)
(he/him)
(he/him)
Ethan is a sophomore at Brown University studying Computer Science and Design Engineering. He’s especially interested in human-computer interaction, and he hopes to play a role in scaling the next generation of consumer electronics. When he’s not debugging code or writing diligence memos, you can catch him tinkering with mechanical keyboards, trying to learn CAD, or eating way too many chips.
Ethan is a sophomore at Brown University studying Computer Science and Design Engineering. He’s especially interested in human-computer interaction, and he hopes to play a role in scaling the next generation of consumer electronics. When he’s not debugging code or writing diligence memos, you can catch him tinkering with mechanical keyboards, trying to learn CAD, or eating way too many chips.
Amber Zhao
Amber Zhao
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Amber is a Brown University sophomore from sunny Los Angeles. Though concentrating in International and Public Affairs and Modern Culture and Media, she is also interested in the environment, graphic design, education, marketing and communications, and making a positive impact on her community. Her adventures include inspo-pinning on Pinterest, long nature walks, and even longer binge watching episodes of AD Open Door videos.
Amber is a Brown University sophomore from sunny Los Angeles. Though concentrating in International and Public Affairs and Modern Culture and Media, she is also interested in the environment, graphic design, education, marketing and communications, and making a positive impact on her community. Her adventures include inspo-pinning on Pinterest, long nature walks, and even longer binge watching episodes of AD Open Door videos.
SOCIAL EVENTS
SOCIAL EVENTS
SOCIAL EVENTS
Tenzin Choezin
Tenzin Choezin
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Tenzin is a senior studying Behavioral Decision Sciences, with a focus in Human Centered Design, at Brown. She strives to design intuitive interfaces: the graphics that personalize the digital experience and the systems that scale it. She harnesses the power of storytelling in her work, with emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, community building, and pedagogy. You can find her journaling, cooking hearty meals with her friends, and building her mini library!
Tenzin is a senior studying Behavioral Decision Sciences, with a focus in Human Centered Design, at Brown. She strives to design intuitive interfaces: the graphics that personalize the digital experience and the systems that scale it. She harnesses the power of storytelling in her work, with emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, community building, and pedagogy. You can find her journaling, cooking hearty meals with her friends, and building her mini library!
Hannah Oh
Hannah Oh
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Hannah is a senior studying Architecture at RISD who comes from Glendale, California! She is currently navigating ways to apply her architecture studies to multifaceted practices. Within Architecture she is interested in humanitarian design and how spaces shape communities and identities. Outside of the BEB,
you can find her reading a psychological thriller, playing sudoku, or concocting new recipes for her victims to taste test.
Hannah is a senior studying Architecture at RISD who comes from Glendale, California! She is currently navigating ways to apply her architecture studies to multifaceted practices. Within Architecture she is interested in humanitarian design and how spaces shape communities and identities. Outside of the BEB,
you can find her reading a psychological thriller, playing sudoku, or concocting new recipes for her victims to taste test.
Roy Kim
Roy Kim
Roy is a third year Dual Degree student studying Architecture at Brown University and Furniture Design at RISD. He is interested in material exploration and sculptural creations. On his free time you can find him going on camping trips and cooking large hearty Korean meals
Roy is a third year Dual Degree student studying Architecture at Brown University and Furniture Design at RISD. He is interested in material exploration and sculptural creations. On his free time you can find him going on camping trips and cooking large hearty Korean meals
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Tommy Barton
Tommy Barton
Tommy is a junior at Brown intending to concentrate in Design Engineering and Urban Studies. He is interested in biodesign, rethinking the built environment, building community, and the circular economy and is always curious to learn something new. He is from North Montpelier, Vermont and loves being in nature, going on an adventure, chatting around a fireplace, or playing a board game.
Tommy is a junior at Brown intending to concentrate in Design Engineering and Urban Studies. He is interested in biodesign, rethinking the built environment, building community, and the circular economy and is always curious to learn something new. He is from North Montpelier, Vermont and loves being in nature, going on an adventure, chatting around a fireplace, or playing a board game.
Gabriel Josué Mena
Gabriel Josué Mena
(he/él)
(he/él)
(he/él)
Gabriel is a junior studying Design Engineering and Visual Art at Brown University. With roots in Central America and the Bay Area, CA, he is interested in the integration of design principles with technical aspects of engineering in an effort to create human-centered, usable products. When he is not in the bowels of Barus and Holley, Gabriel enjoys cycling around Providence exploring Latine owned businesses.
Gabriel is a junior studying Design Engineering and Visual Art at Brown University. With roots in Central America and the Bay Area, CA, he is interested in the integration of design principles with technical aspects of engineering in an effort to create human-centered, usable products. When he is not in the bowels of Barus and Holley, Gabriel enjoys cycling around Providence exploring Latine owned businesses.
OPERATIONS
OPERATIONS
OPERATIONS
Charles Jang
Charles Jang
he/him
he/him
he/him
Charles is in his final year studying architecture at RISD. He is curious about the human experience’s divergent entanglement with natural systems and how design can play a role in belonging, individuality, and memory. For the past 14 years, he’s called Katy, Texas home, but Charles dreams of a day when he is traversing the world, smelling with his nose and touching with his body the sights and sounds of what is as of now unknown.
Charles is in his final year studying architecture at RISD. He is curious about the human experience’s divergent entanglement with natural systems and how design can play a role in belonging, individuality, and memory. For the past 14 years, he’s called Katy, Texas home, but Charles dreams of a day when he is traversing the world, smelling with his nose and touching with his body the sights and sounds of what is as of now unknown.
Yvonne Jia
Yvonne Jia
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Yvonne is a junior at Brown University studying Applied-Mathematics and Economics. Lately, she has taken an interest in the generational impacts of various urban renewal projects. Yvonne is from the snowy depths of Minnesota and enjoys cooking, reading about Greek mythology, and laying in the snow in the morning after a blizzard (Yvonne has been deprived of a proper snow day ever since stepping foot on the east coast). She loves everything that is “aesthetic”, matcha, all Muji products, and homemade mochi.
Yvonne is a junior at Brown University studying Applied-Mathematics and Economics. Lately, she has taken an interest in the generational impacts of various urban renewal projects. Yvonne is from the snowy depths of Minnesota and enjoys cooking, reading about Greek mythology, and laying in the snow in the morning after a blizzard (Yvonne has been deprived of a proper snow day ever since stepping foot on the east coast). She loves everything that is “aesthetic”, matcha, all Muji products, and homemade mochi.
Lucia Kim
Lucia Kim
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Lucia is a second-year at Brown studying Economics and International and Public Affairs. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of business and government to pursue social entrepreneurship. In addition to her academic pursuits, she also takes her role as a cat mom very seriously. Lucia has two cats back home in NYC, and she is always willing to debate why cats make the best pets!
Lucia is a second-year at Brown studying Economics and International and Public Affairs. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of business and government to pursue social entrepreneurship. In addition to her academic pursuits, she also takes her role as a cat mom very seriously. Lucia has two cats back home in NYC, and she is always willing to debate why cats make the best pets!
Wilson Vo
Wilson Vo
(he/him)
(he/him)
(he/him)
Wilson is a junior at Brown University studying Computer Engineering. He is a first-generation college student who is passionate about developing new technologies that are user-friendly and accessible to all. He has taken an interest in robotics and hopes to build one in his own time. Outside of his academic interests, Wilson enjoys cooking a variety of cuisines such as, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern, playing a variety of role-playing video games (namely The Witcher III), and weightlifting.
Wilson is a junior at Brown University studying Computer Engineering. He is a first-generation college student who is passionate about developing new technologies that are user-friendly and accessible to all. He has taken an interest in robotics and hopes to build one in his own time. Outside of his academic interests, Wilson enjoys cooking a variety of cuisines such as, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern, playing a variety of role-playing video games (namely The Witcher III), and weightlifting.
FINANCE
FINANCE
FINANCE
Kaitlyn Chen
Kaitlyn Chen
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Kaitlyn is a second-year at Brown University studying Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. She’s interested in technology, finance, entrepreneurship, and building a positive impact through design. In her free time, you can find her cafe hopping, building vision boards, or ranking a list of her friends’ ivy room smoothies.
Kaitlyn is a second-year at Brown University studying Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. She’s interested in technology, finance, entrepreneurship, and building a positive impact through design. In her free time, you can find her cafe hopping, building vision boards, or ranking a list of her friends’ ivy room smoothies.
Francesca Golden
Francesca Golden
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Francesca is a junior studying Industrial Design at RISD. She has a passion for hands-on building and interactive storytelling. Lately, she has been interested in system design and exploring how units can be combined to build intricate and beautiful mechanisms. She’s always looking for a new impossible puzzle to solve, but in the meantime you’ll catch her taking peaceful walks around campus and playing with her pet bunny Mashmi.
Francesca is a junior studying Industrial Design at RISD. She has a passion for hands-on building and interactive storytelling. Lately, she has been interested in system design and exploring how units can be combined to build intricate and beautiful mechanisms. She’s always looking for a new impossible puzzle to solve, but in the meantime you’ll catch her taking peaceful walks around campus and playing with her pet bunny Mashmi.
Tommy Nguyen
Tommy Nguyen
(he/him)
(he/him)
(he/him)
Tommy is a second-year at Brown University interested in studying environmental studies and applied mathematics. He wants to explore the intersection of user design and environmental policy work. When he isn’t stressing out about his classes, Tommy is watching Korean dramas, hanging out with friends, and eating ice cream!
Tommy is a second-year at Brown University interested in studying environmental studies and applied mathematics. He wants to explore the intersection of user design and environmental policy work. When he isn’t stressing out about his classes, Tommy is watching Korean dramas, hanging out with friends, and eating ice cream!
GRAPHICS
GRAPHICS
GRAPHICS
William He
William He
(he/him)
(he/him)
(he/him)
William is a sophomore at RISD ready to study graphic design. He is currently thinking about process art in relation to visual communication, and environmental conservation through design. Outside of school, you’ll find Williams non-stop blabbering about Toronto, fishing, and hockey. Go Leafs!!!
William is a sophomore at RISD ready to study graphic design. He is currently thinking about process art in relation to visual communication, and environmental conservation through design. Outside of school, you’ll find Williams non-stop blabbering about Toronto, fishing, and hockey. Go Leafs!!!
Hannah Jeong
Hannah Jeong
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Hannah Jeong is a designer, artist and night owl from the east coast, pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design at RISD. She is most excited about using design as a means of connecting people, with empathy and play at the core of her creative approach. Enjoys staring at the sky, matcha lattes, (walk)running, learning guitar, and listening to 90’s rnb.
Hannah Jeong is a designer, artist and night owl from the east coast, pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design at RISD. She is most excited about using design as a means of connecting people, with empathy and play at the core of her creative approach. Enjoys staring at the sky, matcha lattes, (walk)running, learning guitar, and listening to 90’s rnb.
Neat Rodanant
Neat Rodanant
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Neat is a junior at RISD. She is currently pursuing Graphic Design with secondary major in Sculpture. She is interested in the intersection between art, design and nature. Neat enjoy watching cooking shows, listening to chill rnb and napping on Sundays.
Neat is a junior at RISD. She is currently pursuing Graphic Design with secondary major in Sculpture. She is interested in the intersection between art, design and nature. Neat enjoy watching cooking shows, listening to chill rnb and napping on Sundays.
Maggie Xian
Maggie Xian
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Maggie is a junior at RISD from Aotearoa New Zealand. Currently studying Graphic Design with concentrations in Computation and Sustainability, her work is often informed by research and the interplay of physical and digital. She is a passionate believer of walkable cities, the oxford comma, and measuring the temperature in celsius.
Maggie is a junior at RISD from Aotearoa New Zealand. Currently studying Graphic Design with concentrations in Computation and Sustainability, her work is often informed by research and the interplay of physical and digital. She is a passionate believer of walkable cities, the oxford comma, and measuring the temperature in celsius.
WEB
WEB
WEB
Fiona Liu
Fiona Liu
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Fiona is a senior studying an IC in Human-Computer Interaction & Design; she’s originally from New Jersey, but spent a year at UC San Diego before her time at Brown! An advocate for humane technology, she’s invested in designing for the lived human experience through a lens of care; for her, this experience includes a love for creating, puzzling, and grocery shopping ☺
Fiona is a senior studying an IC in Human-Computer Interaction & Design; she’s originally from New Jersey, but spent a year at UC San Diego before her time at Brown! An advocate for humane technology, she’s invested in designing for the lived human experience through a lens of care; for her, this experience includes a love for creating, puzzling, and grocery shopping ☺
Fern Tantivess
Fern Tantivess
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Fern is a senior from Bangkok, Thailand studying computer science at Brown. She is passionate about human-centered design in technology, and is interested in creating accessible, user-friendly digital experiences. In her free time, you can find her exploring new spaces on campus, rock climbing, or trying out new spicy menus (always open to new recs!).
Fern is a senior from Bangkok, Thailand studying computer science at Brown. She is passionate about human-centered design in technology, and is interested in creating accessible, user-friendly digital experiences. In her free time, you can find her exploring new spaces on campus, rock climbing, or trying out new spicy menus (always open to new recs!).
PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Chamonix Han
Chamonix Han
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Chamonix is a Jersey girl studying Industrial Design @ RISD. She is interested in user-interactive design and ambient interface, as her work consists of connecting fine art and technology to interact with the users. You can find her in a local acai bowl shop scrolling through pinterest boards for outfit ideas or cute cafes in NYC.
Chamonix is a Jersey girl studying Industrial Design @ RISD. She is interested in user-interactive design and ambient interface, as her work consists of connecting fine art and technology to interact with the users. You can find her in a local acai bowl shop scrolling through pinterest boards for outfit ideas or cute cafes in NYC.
Serena Saxena
Serena Saxena
(she/her)
(she/her)
(she/her)
Serena is a sophomore at Brown from San Francisco, CA, interested in pursuing Behavioral Decision Sciences and an IC in Human-Centered Design. She is especially passionate about consumer behavior, customer discovery, and utilizing design as a tool for storytelling. If she isn’t on a flight to somewhere warmer, she’s obsessed with exploring new cities (& finding the best matcha), flea/farmer’s markets, all things fashion, and watching basketball.
Serena is a sophomore at Brown from San Francisco, CA, interested in pursuing Behavioral Decision Sciences and an IC in Human-Centered Design. She is especially passionate about consumer behavior, customer discovery, and utilizing design as a tool for storytelling. If she isn’t on a flight to somewhere warmer, she’s obsessed with exploring new cities (& finding the best matcha), flea/farmer’s markets, all things fashion, and watching basketball.
