Strum for Change: Guitars with a Message

Empathize

You will conduct interviews with musicians and community members to understand their perspectives on political messages in art and music, and research historical examples of politically influenced musical instruments, gathering insights to inform your design approach.

Days 1 - 4

Meet Local Music Voices

Launch 60m

Empathy Research Portfolio

Deliverable

Define

You will synthesize your research on political issues, guitar construction, and social themes into a clear problem statement that articulates how your guitar design will address and represent these critical topics.

Days 5 - 8

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Ideate

You will engage in brainstorming sessions, explore a variety of materials and tools, and collaborate with peers and community partners to generate innovative guitar designs that incorporate political artwork and align with your social messaging goals.

Days 9 - 13

Concept Sketches & Feasibility Pack

Deliverable

Prototype

You will construct prototype versions of your politically-themed guitars, incorporating feedback from luthiers and your peers to refine design, craftsmanship, and artwork effectiveness, while documenting the process in a zine for reflection and future improvement.

Days 14 - 19

User Testing Documentation

Deliverable

Test/Present

You will present your guitars at the 'Harmony in Activism Expo,' demonstrate their functionality in live performances, and engage with community feedback to validate your artistic and social messaging impact.

Days 20 - 25

July 2026

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

27 Day 1

Empathize

Meet Local Music Voices

28 Day 2

29 Day 3

30 Day 4

Empathy Research Portfolio

31 Day 5

Define

August 2026

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

3 Day 6

4 Day 7

5 Day 8

6 Day 9

Ideate

7 Day 10

10 Day 11

11 Day 12

12 Day 13

Concept Sketches & Feasibility Pack

13 Day 14

Prototype

14 Day 15

17 Day 16

18 Day 17

19 Day 18

20 Day 19

User Testing Documentation

21 Day 20

Test/Present

Artistic Jam Kickoff

24 Day 21

25 Day 22

26 Day 23

27 Day 24

28 Day 25

Guitar Expo Showcase

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July 2026

August 2026