Design Program, College of Business, Ferris State University

09/16/2026

A few months later, one lesson from Ferris’ AI Day still stands out: designers need to be part of the AI conversation.

We showed grade-school students what designers really do – imagine, prototype, test, and make ideas work for people. Using AI tools like Claude Design, we demonstrated just how quickly ideas can become something we can see, evaluate, and improve.

>>> AI can make the work faster. Designers make the work meaningful.

Thanks to Anna and Clare for working with the students, sharing their skills, and making it fun!

AI is another tool in our toolkit — and design’s role is to make it work for people.

08/31/2026

One from the archives before school starts tomorrow!

05/13/2026

Only a couple more days left to experience HOMEBODY
An exhibit by Michael Pfleghaar

Pause. Reflect. See differently.

Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery
April 6 – May 15

This exhibit experience was developed in collaboration with students in the Branding Experience Design course at Ferris State University.

Design System: Jaz’ming Wadley
Exhibit Promotions + Media Kit: Jessica Decker, Ethan Orcutt, Lana Bol
Environmental Design: Lane Guzniczak, Jessica Decker, Evan Eisenhauer
Interactive Media: Ethan Orcutt, Angelo Lucchesi, Lane Guzniczak
Events Design + Promotion: Olivia Van Dyne with Jaz’ming Wadley
Professor Alison Popp

Grateful for the collaboration — and for the chance to see this work come to life together.
Special thanks to the Graphic Media Management Program and local print services partners for their support.

05/05/2026

Our seniors got feedback from professionals in online meetings all week.

Andrew Dull (Concept A Creative Studio), Chas Appleby (Peopledesign), Glenda Kraemer (HPS), Jon Neill (Carnevale), Kate Geschwendt (Clearwell Consulting), Leandra Beshears (General Motors), Mike Gorman and Yolanda Gonzalez (Mr & Mrs), Natalie Dixon (BISSELL Pet Foundation), Sheri Monroe (Reagan Marketing), William Culpepper (Montana State University)

05/05/2026

More than a Showcase, this week continues to reinforce what we’re working toward: connecting ideas to ex*****on, and helping students articulate the thinking behind their work in ways that matter beyond the classroom.

We’re already looking ahead.

See you next year.

05/01/2026

Success! Thank you Kevin Budelmann for such an insightful presentation and thank you to everyone who joined us.

What we took from it:
Expand your idea of what Design can be.
It’s not just making — it’s thinking, shaping, connecting.
Explain your decisions, not just your outcomes.
Work with others.
Communicate clearly.
Tell the story behind it.
Stay flexible — the tools and practice will change.
Your thinking is what carries forward.
Be curious and be learning.

05/01/2026

Today at 5pm in the Ferris State University Fine Art Gallery,

HOMEBODY came to life — bringing together artist Michael Pfleghaar, our student team, and gallery leadership for a casual conversation around the work, the process, and the experience.

What began as an exploration of perception, color, and space became something more for our students — an opportunity to see how ideas move from concept to production to environment, shaped by many hands along the way.

Grateful for the collaboration, the energy, and the chance to stand together behind the work. Ferris State Fine Art Gallery

04/20/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Kevin Budelmann of Peopledesign as part of Ferris DSGN Week.

This is an opportunity to hear perspectives on design leadership, practice, and the evolving role of designers across industries. We’re looking forward to bringing together professionals, alumni, and students for a strong and engaging conversation.

This is a free event but reserve your spot on LinkedIn.
Link in bio to RSVP.

04/17/2026

We needed to get out of the house and it delivered!
Spent the day in Grand Rapids touring with incredible design companies.

At Peopledesign .design thanks to Yang Kim, Chas Appleby, and Kevin Budelmann for sharing work, stories, and honest advice.

At Grey Matter Group, great to hear from Amber (‘25) — thank you for showing what you’ve already done there so far. And special thanks to Brian Scharp for the lessons and Brynna Moren for the conversation.

We also saw student work at Kendall College of Art and Design, had good lunch, and a test of the bus system (we have notes).

Grateful for the time, insight, and access!!

04/11/2026

DSGN321 Branding Experience Design 2, another collaborative project we worked on in the Ferris State Fine Art Gallery

Take a moment to pause and get a new perspective on Michael Pfleghaar’s work!

This exhibition experience was designed by students in the Ferris State University Design Program.