For each discussion assignment, respond to two of your colleagues’ submissions. For each of the responses that you post, make sure that you are offering constructive input.

For each discussion assignment, respond to two of your colleagues’ submissions. For each of the responses that you post, make sure that you are offering constructive input. Your post should either add to the position expressed in the original post or offer a critique from a different perspective. Your responses for each discussion assignment are due on Sunday by 11:59 pm and are to be between 50-100 words each. Be sure to also address any questions in regards to your original post or your responses presented by the instructor and/or fellow students.

For this discussion assignment:

Find a response from someone else that you relate to in some way and comment on it in a productive way.
Find another response that sparks a question and ask it. Provide context, if necessary.
These response posts are meant to further a discussion between colleagues as a way to build community and/or explore the course concepts further. Your responses for each discussion assignment are due on Sunday by 11:59 pm and are to be somewhat brief (i.e. no need to write a multi-paragraph response). Be sure to also address any questions in regards to your original post or your responses presented by the instructor and/or fellow students.

Module 1: Discussion

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Part A:  Re-imagine “new normals”

With the end of the pandemic in sight, massive funding into the economy and a rarely seen before thirst for social interaction, Americans are rushing back to their places of business to catch up on the lost business opportunities of the past year.  It’s a natural human reaction and a necessary phase of the economy.  But meanwhile, children are spending more and more time alone. The three issues I listed below could be some of the most challenging of the post pandemic era.  Per IDEO’s guidelines, I tried to keep the suggestions technologically feasible and economically viable.  

Activity 1: Time at home after school (Lonely)
Research shows that with parents away more than ten hours a day, children are evolving in more and more isolated worlds.  
Suggested new normal: Virtual extracurriculars: student-centered, time-efficient and cost-effective.

Activity 2: Interaction at home (Disengaged)
Even when at home, parents may spend more time working on their electronic devices than engaging directly with children.
Suggested new normal: Virtual playdates: child-focused and engaging.

Activity 3: Mental health at home (Unmotivated)
Without proper guidance, children are showing more signs of lack of motivation.
Suggested new normal: Virtual therapy: a listening, empathetic ear

 Re-imagining “New Normals”

Dermatology/Skin Care appointments – Telehealth visits grew exponentially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some appointments were easier to have in a virtual setting while other medical appointments historically required a doctors up close attention to skin conditions, or other conditions that you simply cannot diagnose or evaluate via video conference. How can we find a solution that will help patients receive the care they desire and give doctors the up close examination capabilities with the virtual?

Architectural Design – After being away from the office, many office buildings were left nearly empty and with many industries seeing the benefit to working from home, how do we now thing about the necessity of office space and constructing offices in a new way. Many people may consider returning to the office but not as they once were in open desk floor plans. Space planning may be adjustable but how can architects incorporate all the lessons learned from all the vacated buildings over the last year into new functional designs that considers health and viral conditions?

Community Playgrounds – During the pandemic, one of the most devastating closures for children outside of schools were playgrounds. Virtual play dates and children playing at home seemed to be a good alternative but what happens when a child doesn’t have siblings? How can we develop safe play environments that will not only be physically safe for children but will allow them to engage in person and remain safe?