Select Work Samples

Makerspace Communities and Ecosystem Strategy:
Co-Creating Social and Operational Infrastructure
 


How might we intentionally grow the maker-movement, rooted in equitable practices that address educational, economic, and environmental barriers?

Data Visualization / Design Research / Co-Design / Ecosystem Strategy / Interdisciplinary Collaboration / Makerspaces / Rapid Prototyping / Social Impact

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Service/ Experience Design Consulting




Agile / Contextual Inquiry / Data Visualization / Design Research / Ecosystem Strategy / Cross-Functional Collaboration / Journey Mapping / Operational Modeling / Product Evaluation / Rapid Prototyping / Usability Testing / Workshop Facilitation




The AVE Framework.

The ‘AVE’ Framework:

Recommendations to Reduce Food Insecurity Among the University Student Population

How might we equip decision makers with an equity-centered framework to collaboratively improve services for university student food insecurity?

Data Visualization / Design Research / Co-Design / Food Insecurity / Group Dynamics /  Interdisciplinary Collaboration / Rapid Prototyping / Service Design / Social Impact

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MAKETOOLS Design Sprint // Workshop


Led by Dr. Elizabeth Sanders, Co-author of the Convivial Toolbox

How might we create a better patient experience in relation to patient data?

Design Research / Co-Design / Healthcare /  Rapid Prototyping / Workshop

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Data Visualization & Storytelling 

Data Visualization / Design Research /  Education / Historical Analysis

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Source: PA FDC, Center for Functional Fabrics



PPE: Human Factors & Product Development:


  • Aerosol Bio-Containment Device (ABCD) for Covid-19 Patients

  • Antimicrobial Yarn Knit Mask & Filter Housing, Testing & Design

Apparel Engineering / Healthcare / Human Factors / Product Design / Rapid Prototyping


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Bio-Composite Garden

Drexel University, 2021

Creating an open-source biomaterial and 3D printed mold-making kit for a modular compostable indoor garden.

Advanced Manufacturing / Bio-Materials / Design Research / Co-Design / Rapid Prototyping / Social Impact

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KAHLE Studio


New York, NY, 2014-2021

Founding and translating a conceptual womenswear brand into wearable goods and experiences.

Branding / Business Development / Creative Direction / Garment Engineering / Local Manufacturing / Materials Exploration / Product Design & Circularity / Market Research / Strategy

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Product Design/ Development and Garment Engineering


New York, NY, 2012 - 2021

Apparel and home goods design and development for a range of products – Virginia Sin, Marchesa, COA

CAD / Creative Direction / Ceramics Fabrication / Garment Engineering / Local Manufacturing / Product Design & Circularity / Market Research

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Mary Kahle

Mary is a design strategist working at the intersections of generative research and evidence-based design.

She facilitates meaningful experiences, services, and products to benefit both people and the planet.




MS, Design Research,
Drexel University
BFA, Apparel Design,
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Click here for full CV.



Research Publications and Press



Sound Sponges: A Speculative Approach to Tangible Urban Interaction and Urban Prosthetics for Persons with Hearing Impairment
- S.Bahrami, M. Kahle, N. Koltick
Media Arts and Design Conference, (2024)


Makerspace Communities and Ecosystem Strategy: Co-Creating Social and Operational Infrastructure
Design Research Master’s Thesis, September 2021- June 2023
Drexel University, Proquest.com


Dezeen Graduate Student Spotlight 2023
Dezeen.com


How Albert Einstein’s Former Secretary Became the Face of a Buzzy Brooklyn Label, 2018
Vogue.com


The Science of KAHLE, 2016
The New York Times Style Section (Print & Digital) 


WWD, NY Fashion Week Designer Showcase, 2015-2017



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