本課程講授根據科學方法進行創新設計，在對複雜的鑲飾花磚的設計，工程分析和製造的過程中進行。這是一門入門課程，學習方式包括課堂講授和實驗，旨在教給學生基本的設計原理並使學生親身接觸到設計的過程。在全部課程中將會對所有形式的視覺藝術的術語和概念進行介紹，這些辭彙和概念在許多方面也形成了設計物件的基礎。學生們在學習機械技巧的同時進行批判性和視覺化的思考。而且在和不同的媒質打交道的時候，學生們將會思考藝術作品是怎樣從某一特定文化背景和意識中產生並對之回應的，並且怎樣將這些思維模式應用到幾乎所有的設計中去。
報告，課堂講授，演示，討論和各種藝術作品將會被用來向學生們說明其他的藝術家和設計師是怎樣處理他們將在工作室中面對的同樣的問題的。每堂課開始會對學生的作業進行評論，隨後對當星期的相關議題進行討論（並在適當的時候做課堂報告）。全部課程都將幫助各組學生設計並建造大型鑲飾花磚，它的各個構件都建成數位實體模型並用水刀研磨加工中心機製成。課程最後將舉行設計展覽，該展覽將面向麻省理工學院和大波士頓地區的公眾。本課程限額16名，分為4個組。參加第一堂課的學生享有優先權進行預先分組。
Teaches creative design based on the scientific method through the design, engineering, and manufacture of a detailed inlaid tile. This is an introductory lecture/studio course designed to teach students the basic principles of design and expose them to the design process. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to the terminology and concepts that underlie all forms of visual art; which--in many ways--forms the basis for the design of all physical objects. Along with learning mechanical skills, thinking both critically and visually, and working with different media, the students will consider how the arts grow out of and respond to particular cultural contexts and ideas; and how these thinking patterns can be applied to virtually all types of design.
Presentations, lectures, demonstrations, discussions and various artistic works will be used to show students how other artists and designers have dealt with the same issues they will be facing in lab. Each class will begin with a critique of the students' homework, followed by a discussion (and presentation when appropriate) of the pertinent issues of that week. All aspects of the course will aid the teams of students in designing and building a major inlaid tile whose elements are designed as digital solid models and manufactured on an abrasive waterjet machining center. The course will conclude with an exhibit of the completed tiles open to the MIT and the Greater-Boston public. Enrollment is limited to 16 students who will be divided into groups of 4 students each. Preference will be given to students who attend the first day of class in a pre-selected team of 4.
