ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Code.org Careers with Computer Science: Design Technologist at Meow Wolf
Hi there! I’m Jerome Morrison, and I work as a design technologist at a place called Meow Wolf. Imagine opening a closet and discovering a whole new world inside. That’s what Meow Wolf is like—a huge house filled with portals to amazing, creatively designed spaces.
At Meow Wolf, my job is to use computers to make different pieces of technology talk to each other. For instance, when you interact with one part of an exhibit, it sends a signal to another system to do something cool, like changing the lights to blue.
Think about a paintbrush or a typewriter. These are both types of technology. As we invent new technologies, artists find creative ways to use them in surprising ways. Artists take these tools and use them to push the boundaries of creativity. Without technology, creativity wouldn’t be the same, and without creativity, technology wouldn’t exist.
I love computer science because it lets me solve problems through programming. It’s like a puzzle! For example, figuring out how to make lights turn on when someone walks into a room is super satisfying.
The best part of my job is working with all the amazing people—creative technologists and artists—who help make everything at Meow Wolf come to life. Together, we create this giant, magical world where everything works in harmony.
Technology and art are closely linked. As technology evolves, it opens up new possibilities for artists to express themselves. Whether it’s using virtual reality to create immersive experiences or programming interactive installations, technology helps artists bring their visions to life in exciting ways.
By combining creativity with technology, we can create experiences that inspire and amaze people. So, if you’re interested in both art and technology, a career like design technologist might be perfect for you!
Imagine you’re a design technologist at Meow Wolf. Your task is to create a mini-exhibit using everyday objects. Think about how you can use simple technology, like lights or sounds, to make your exhibit interactive. Present your design to the class and explain how the technology enhances the experience.
Explore the basics of programming by solving a series of puzzles that require you to write simple code. Use a platform like Scratch or Code.org to create a program that changes colors or plays sounds when certain conditions are met, similar to how exhibits at Meow Wolf respond to interactions.
Research an artist who uses technology in their work. Create a short presentation about how they integrate technology into their art and how it changes the way people experience their creations. Share your findings with the class to inspire others.
Work in small groups to brainstorm and design a concept for a new interactive art installation. Each group member should take on a role, such as a programmer, artist, or project manager, to simulate the collaborative environment at Meow Wolf. Present your concept to the class, highlighting how each role contributes to the final project.
Explore virtual reality (VR) as a tool for creating immersive art experiences. Use a VR app or platform to design a simple virtual environment. Discuss how VR can be used to enhance artistic expression and what possibilities it opens up for future art installations.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hi, my name is Jerome Morrison, and I’m a design technologist here at Meow Wolf. Have you ever opened up a closet and wondered if there was a whole new world hiding inside? Well, that’s what Meow Wolf is—a giant house that has a bunch of portals to these creatively imagined spaces.
So, what do you do at Meow Wolf? I use computers to make all of the pieces of technology communicate with each other. When you interact with one element, it sends the right signal to another system to trigger an action, like changing the lights to blue.
A paintbrush is a piece of technology, and a typewriter is also a type of technology. As we continue to develop new technologies, artists will always find innovative ways to use them in unexpected ways. An artist’s job is to take these objects and pieces of technology and use them to advance creativity. There is no creativity without technology, and technology does not exist without creativity.
What do you love about computer science? I love the joy I get from solving problems through programming. For example, figuring out how to make the lights recognize when you walk into a room is incredibly satisfying.
What is the coolest thing about your job? The coolest part of my job is collaborating with all the wonderful minds, creative technologists, and artists to make all these systems work together in this giant world we call Meow Wolf.
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This version removes any informal language and ensures clarity while retaining the original message.
Computers – Electronic devices that process data and perform tasks according to a set of instructions called programs. – Example sentence: “In art class, we used computers to create digital paintings.”
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Example sentence: “Technology allows artists to create stunning animations using advanced software.”
Art – The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture. – Example sentence: “Digital art has become popular as artists use software to create unique pieces.”
Creativity – The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness. – Example sentence: “Programming requires creativity to solve complex problems in innovative ways.”
Design – A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is made. – Example sentence: “Graphic design software helps artists create layouts for posters and websites.”
Programming – The process of writing computer programs, which are sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do. – Example sentence: “In our technology class, we learned programming to create our own video games.”
Signals – Electrical or electromagnetic waves that carry data or information from one place to another. – Example sentence: “Digital artists use tablets that send signals to computers to draw directly on the screen.”
Immersive – Providing a completely engaging or absorbing experience, often by using technology to create a virtual environment. – Example sentence: “Virtual reality headsets offer an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re inside a 3D artwork.”
Experiences – Practical contact with and observation of facts or events, often involving participation. – Example sentence: “Interactive art installations provide unique experiences that engage all the senses.”
Technologist – A person who specializes in technology, especially someone who applies scientific knowledge to practical problems. – Example sentence: “The technologist helped the art team use new software to enhance their digital projects.”
