Craft, curiosity and consequences

Kevin Ward sits down with host Adam Fromme in this episode of the Thinking through Design podcast. 

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“You don’t pursue design without a passion for design.” Kevin Ward

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This episode looks at how a return to craft can become a powerful differentiator for design students. Our conversation reflects on the struggle between the apathy and energy students bring to idea generation and how they explore new digital tools. In response to this conflict, we discuss how to invite students to expand their skills and discover new creative strengths. Kevin explains how working with physical materials builds confidence, enriches decision-making, and ultimately enhances digital design. This discussion frames craft not as a lost practice but as an exciting opportunity for students to amplify their voice, develop unique perspectives, and shape more intentional, expressive design work, particularly in a design landscape increasingly shaped by convenience, speed, and artificial intelligence.

Kevin Ward is a designer, artist, and educator serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Design at The Ohio State University. He earned a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Florida and an MFA in Graphic & Experience Design from North Carolina State University. His design work spans branding, advertising, exhibition design, user experience, and applications of artificial intelligence. Ward’s research focuses on how design can make complex information more accessible and meaningful — especially around topics like climate change, AI, and information literacy. In his role at Ohio State, he teaches and mentors students in areas such as UX and visual communication design and contributes to department activities and research initiatives.

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts.

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