Design Bloc is a Georgia Tech Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) team that uses design thinking and design behaviors in a team environment. Design Bloc teaches world-class problem solvers how to be thoughtful problem framers. These leaders reassess challenges, find alternate definitions to problems, and shift their perspective to identify diverse solutions inclusive of multiple user needs.

The VIP Model

The Vertically Integrated Projects Program is a transformative approach to enhancing higher education by engaging undergraduate and graduate students in ambitious, long-term, large-scale, multidisciplinary project teams that are led by faculty. The program has been rigorously evaluated and refined over more than two decades. 

In VIP, teams of undergraduate students – from various years, disciplines and backgrounds – work with faculty and graduate students in their areas of scholarship and exploration. Undergraduate students earn academic credit for their work and have direct experience with the innovation process, while faculty and graduate students benefit from the extended efforts of their teams.

The Design Bloc Team

Design Bloc uses design thinking and design behaviors in a team environment to: 

A: understand campus and community issues using an empathetic approach, 

B: engage with campus and external community members using a rapid prototyping methodology, and  

C: implement change and design interventions that contribute to positive outcomes that create a novel world.