Hynes Design Studio

Research

Research

Our research explores the built environment’s impact on learning and collaboration with a primary interest in the relationship between classroom layout/design and engagement.

Additionally, our interests align with the vision that all students have a chance to engage in STEM fields. Within the field of engineering education specifically, Morgan continues to investigate:

  • Broadening contexts for engineering learning to broaden participation
  • Exploring classroom makerspaces as engineering design learning environments
  • Investigating the design practices young students engage in and assessing their learning

Select publications and presentations:

  • Hynes, M. & Hynes, W. (2017). If you build it, will they come? Student preferences for Makerspace environments in higher education. Published in the International Journal of Technology and Design Education.
  • Hynes, W., Hynes, M., Hira, A. (2015). Applying the Makerspace Model to the K-12 Classroom. Published in The Educational Facility Planner, 49(1), pp. 35-38.
  • Hynes, M. &  Hynes, W. Appearances matter: The perceived complexity, coherence, mystery and legibility of Makerspace labs. In 2014 IEEE Frontiers in Education (FIE) Conference, pages 2932 – 2938, Madrid, Spain, 2014.
  • Hira, A., Joslyn, C., & Hynes, M. M. (2014, October 22-25). Classroom Makerspaces: Identifying the Opportunities and Challenges. Paper presented at the Frontiers in Education (FIE), Madrid, Spain.
  • Hynes, M. LEGO Education, Ekaterinburg, Russia. Invited presentations for LEGO Engineering Conference hosted at Sverdlovsk Region Institute of Education. February 27-28, 2014.
  • Hynes, W. Which came first, the maker or the Makerspace?, presented at the University of Oklahoma, College of Architecture, Norman, OK, January 23, 2017.
  • Hynes, W., Young, B. Engagement and the impact of contrasting active learning environments in higher education. Presented at the 2017 Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) National Conference, Madison, WI.
  • Hynes, W., Marquart, K., Julin, K.  Enlightenment of alignment through exploring Makerspace representations: Thinking and making. In 2016 Biannual Conference of the Design Communication Association, pages 295-302, Bozeman MT, 2016.
  • Hynes, W., Young, B. The intersection of space and pedagogy: Identifying elements of classroom design that support innovative curriculum delivery. Presented at the 2016 Interior Design Educators’ Council (IDEC) National Conference, Portland, OR.
  • Hynes, W., Terlep, C., Zheng, C. To Make or Fabricate: The new K-12 classroom. Presented at the 2015 Interior Design Educators’ Council (IDEC) National Conference, Fort Worth, TX.
  • Hynes, W. & Hynes, M. Maker Space: Promoting multidisciplinary participation through design. Presented at the 2014 Interior Design Educators’ Council (IDEC) National Conference, New Orleans, LA.
  • Hynes, W. Design for Creative Collaboration, presented at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, March 15, 2016. Research and evidence based considerations for environmental design supportive of collaboration in the workplace, K-12 schools, higher education and Makerspaces.
  • Hynes, M. (2012). Middle-school Teachers’ Understanding and Teaching of the Engineering Design Process: A Look at Subject Matter and Pedagogical Content Knowledge. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 22, 345-360.
  • Hynes, M., Portsmore, M., Dare, E., Milto, E., Rogers, C., Hammer, D. (2011). Infusing Engineering Design into High School STEM Courses: White Paper commissioned for National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE).