When we begin design classes at Davis, we are posed the question: “What
is design?” This provided the foundation for our inaugural issue, “First
Impressions,” where we explored our initial definitions of design and how
they may change over time.
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Our education also teaches us about different approaches to the design process, but, in this year’s issue, we wanted to highlight the process of self-development as well. Re:Build touches on how designers develop creative strategies, explore their personal identities, and approach transitioning from UC Davis to the design industry.
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Our theme encompasses not only what designers create, but also how our
creations constantly evolve through ideation—we are always rebuilding. We
want to expand this concept to a social and political level, especially in the
wake of several natural disasters and deep political tensions. Re:Build examines how we create resilience in the face of these hardships on an interpersonal and systemic level through design.
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These trying times remind us that we always have the power to build and
rebuild the future that we imagine. We hope this issue encourages you to
become more aware of yourself and the environment that you design for.

Let’s strive to find beauty in the impact we create.