A fun day at St. Katherine's University, St. Paul, MN: A motorcycle accessory project for design students

Sometimes being out of the classroom leads to fun little projects that I would not normally be able to participate in when working full time.

Last week Anupama, a FACS colleague, and associate professor, from St. Kate's called me.  Her design students were working on a project for a motorcycle accessory company.  The company had products mostly for men.  The owner wants to expand the line into women's accessories.  Her students needed to research products in existence and they needed to talk to someone that rides a motorcycle. 

Anu doesn't really know anyone that rides but she knew from my Facebook postings that I am an avid rider.  She called and asked if I would come and speak to her class about riding and bring a friend(s).

I was so excited about working with students in design because of course this is a passion for me.  My friend was excited too. 

We were a good resource for this group as not a one of them had ever been on a motorcycle.  We talked about helmets, scarves, things to keep warm and of course how all of these things are "hair" issues.  We discussed the difference from being a passenger and driving the bike.  We shared about the extreme wind as a passenger and the types of protection you need because of the wind.  There was much more plus, just maybe, a few stories to give them to chuckle. 

I can't wait to see what they come up with for their project.  I am so excited for them as they learn and grow with their career's.

What a wonderful "real life" experience for these future designers.

Anu; thanks for the opportunity to work with your design class, even if it was just for a day.

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane







Design Students at St. Kate's, St. Paul, MN:  As you can see by some of their facial expressions I may have been telling a story.

My friend Lynn, at the table, and myself.  Yes Lynn did get to talk too.