Empathize
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
Define
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
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
Prototype
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
Test/Present
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
Empathize
Days 1–4
Day 1
Meet Local Music Voices
Launch
60m
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Empathy Research Portfolio
Deliverable
Define
Days 5–8
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Ideate
Days 9–13
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Concept Sketches & Feasibility Pack
Deliverable
Prototype
Days 14–19
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
User Testing Documentation
Deliverable
Test/Present
Days 20–25
Day 20
Artistic Jam Kickoff
Launch
60m
Day 21
Day 22
Day 23
Day 24
Day 25
Guitar Expo Showcase
Assessment
October 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
19
Day 1
Empathize
Meet Local Music Voices
20
Day 2
21
Day 3
22
Day 4
Empathy Research Portfolio
23
Day 5
Define
26
Day 6
27
Day 7
28
Day 8
29
Day 9
Ideate
30
Day 10
November 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
2
Day 11
3
Day 12
4
Day 13
Concept Sketches & Feasibility Pack
5
Day 14
Prototype
6
Day 15
9
Day 16
10
Day 17
11
Day 18
12
Day 19
User Testing Documentation
13
Day 20
Test/Present
Artistic Jam Kickoff
16
Day 21
17
Day 22
18
Day 23
19
Day 24
20
Day 25
Guitar Expo Showcase