Students will investigate the ecological and social impacts of urban heat islands and flash flooding in Richmond, Virginia by conducting firsthand user research, documenting lived experiences, and creating empathy artifacts that ground future design decisions in real evidence.

Students will synthesize firsthand interview data about urban heat islands and flash flooding in Richmond into a focused, evidence-based problem definition. They will identify patterns across users, construct a systems map connecting biotic and abiotic factors, and craft a clear How Might We statement grounded in user quotes and ecological science concepts.

Students will generate a wide range of material-based solutions to address urban heat islands and flash flooding in Richmond, then narrow their ideas using user-centered criteria grounded in their research and defined problem statements.

Students will build and refine testable prototypes of material-based solutions to reduce urban heat islands and flash flooding in Richmond neighborhoods, documenting how user feedback and scientific testing data drive design revisions.

Students will validate their redesigned Richmond neighborhood models with a new user, then present their full design journey at the Green Solutions Gallery, connecting ecological science concepts to human-centered solutions for urban heat islands and flash flooding.