Suggestions
Salvador Orara
Design Educator, Facilitator, & Innovation Consultant
Salvador Orara is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Willamette University, where he specializes in design and innovation education. With over two decades of experience in the design industry and academia, he has established himself as a distinguished practitioner and mentor. His career reflects a blend of practical design work and academic engagement, which includes teaching various courses related to design, technology, and innovation.
In addition to his role at Willamette University, Orara has been involved in teaching at other institutions, such as the University of Portland, where he recently launched a new Innovation Minor program. His teaching methodologies often incorporate contemporary practices, such as storytelling in engineering and the use of artificial intelligence in education.1356
Orara is also recognized for his involvement with alumni networks and community gatherings, emphasizing his commitment to mentorship and professional development within the design community.24
Highlights
Any researchers in my network ever conduct usability studies with children?
I had a great time catching up with alumni at the recent ArtCenter Alumni gathering hosted by the Boedecker Foundation. Thanks to Karen Hofmann, Kristine Bowne and Tanya Cerda for making it happen. I am looking forward to following up on all of the (re)connections.
The tiniest event can trigger the most significant reflections. And the five-minute drive home after the gathering made me reflect on the last eight years.
I had a thing going back in 2015 before I packed my bags for Portland. I lived in South Pasadena, teaching at Art Center, running my own studio, consulting for startups, and trying to build my sound art practice. There were a lot of things going on. But these were things I went to ArtCenter to kickstart. And ArtCenter supported me in every way possible.
Proximity can play a powerful role in support systems. All of that changed in 2015 when I moved to Portland. I pushed everything to the back burner to hold a steady job. Buy a home. Get married. And start a family.
Being around all the talent tonight, seeing pictures of the campus and how it is evolving, and pictures of the workspaces (which was somewhat traumatizing 😊), was nothing short of inspiring.
