The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Master of Science in Design + Innovation program is making a difference through its Design Horizon initiative. Inspired by the Wisconsin Idea, this initiative helps students create solutions that benefit people, animals, and plants across the state.

“We’ve expanded our focus to explore how design can support all living things in Wisconsin,” said Trudy Watt, Academic Director of the program. “By working with partners, students tackle real-world problems that contribute to living well in the state.”

Last year, students created the Anthofile Toolkit. This project encouraged native plantings to improve foraging habitats for pollinators. The students developed a digital slide deck and an app to help homeowners and landscape designers choose native plants. “They wanted to dispel myths that native plants are messy or hard to maintain,” Watt explained.