Mariana Leitao Pinheiro Headshot

Mariana Leitao Pinheiro

Visiting Lecturer

School of Design
College of Art and Design

Office Hours
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Office Location

Mariana Leitao Pinheiro

Visiting Lecturer

School of Design
College of Art and Design

Bio

Introducing Mariana Pinheiro, a Brazilian Industrial Designer who's explored the world, including living in the Netherlands, fostering a holistic perspective on cultures and global dynamics. Her work dives into the potential of IoT, sensors, and Digital Twins, envisioning how they can enhance lives and even contribute to the planet's health.

Mariana's focus extends to merging physical and digital realms, as she passionately crafts 3D environments for the Metaverse, where reality and imagination intertwine seamlessly.

As an educator, Mariana prioritizes well-being and mental health. She guides her students to become proactive change-makers, equipping them with the tools to tackle real-world issues and excel in an evolving landscape. In essence, Mariana Pinheiro combines her global insights, technological expertise, and commitment to betterment, shaping a brighter future for individuals and the Earth.

Currently Teaching

IDDE-102
3 Credits
This course will introduce students to drawing objects and three-dimensional space. Students will use the basics of perspective sketching, developing grids and mechanical perspective and orthogonal views. Students learn to depict various materials such as glass, metals, plastics, fabrics, wood, and other natural materials consistent with professional standards.
IDDE-201
3 Credits
This course will focus on experimentation and discovery through the exploration of creative problem solving techniques. Students will explore the dynamics between objects and the user’s senses, emotions, and expressed needs. Using drawing, sketch-modeling and basic shop skills, students will discover the wide choice of materials industrial designers use to further develop their projects. Concepts of recycling and reuse are introduced along with philosophical design approaches, and historical examples. Emphasis will be placed on the improvement of craft in the development of projects and on clarity and professionalism in practice.
IDDE-202
3 Credits
In this course, design projects are conceived as the result of close contact between students and real-world projects commonly found in the manufacturing sector. Students research a specific manufacturing entity in order to understand its capabilities. Research will be conducted in the field and shared with the class to enhance the understanding of the realities associated with production. Students will be challenged to improve their ability to define problems, generate and promote concepts, evaluate their work and offer refinements of solutions. They will learn to derive inspiration from the material world and marketplace while simultaneously bringing inspiration to them.
IDDE-206
3 Credits
This course will emphasize the cognitive and technical skills necessary to manipulate material for the accurate three-dimensional communication of design intent. Projects focus on understanding the relationship of materials, manufacturing processes, products and the user. Special emphasis is placed on using non-toxic materials.
IDDE-212
3 Credits
Students will develop the skills needed to effectively develop and communicate design concepts graphically, digitally and three-dimensionally, consistent with professional industrial design practice standards. Emphasis will be placed on the development, integration and application of computer aided design skills throughout the assignments, utilizing the relationship of analog and digital mediums as a means of enriching the design process.
IDDE-302
3 Credits
This course will highlight the application of design methods and processes through projects that focus on deepening the students’ problem-solving skills, studio skills (two- and three-dimensional sketching, drawing, CAD), shop skills (modelmaking) and presentation skills. Emphasis will be placed on collaborating with multidisciplinary partners outside the industrial design program, and/or, when circumstances allow, with external resources such as clients or project sponsors.
IDDE-502
3 Credits
Senior ID Studio II applies design methods and skills to advanced level projects addressing users with unique, non-traditional needs requiring multi-disciplinary collaborations. Project development will emulate processes used in professional industrial design practice.
IDDE-599
1 - 6 Credits
Industrial Design Independent Study provides students the means to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. With the assistance of their faculty advisers, students will propose a course of study. Students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll. A 3.0 or higher GPA required.

In the News