CriticalCorps may be briefly described as an interdisciplinary group of design researchers and educators who use critical and cultural theory as a means to understand the social significance of the designed environment and everyday life. It seeks to provide students, designers, and scholars in related disciplines with the historical and theoretical tools necessary to critique the work produced by designers. We develop research methods and analytical devices that may be used by students working on design projects as well as researchers involved in generating critical knowledge about the material world.

CriticalCorps seeks to:

1. Further our knowledge about the designed environment through critical inquiry.

2. Examine designed artifacts and spaces, processes of cultural production in relationship to design, and material culture in general from several disciplinary perspectives.

3. Add depth and understanding to our students' education through their engagement in critical and cultural theory and its significance within design.

4. Help both the local community and the greater design community by engaging with and promoting socially conscious and responsible projects.