Core Studio: Systems was structured around process, iteration, and critical thinking. Expectations were clear, while still allowing projects to evolve over time. I thoroughly enjoyed the resources provided and how we were able to unpack them as a class.

The feedback was consistently challenging in a constructive way. Critiques pushed me to question my assumptions, refine my ideas, and aim for a higher level of work. Although demanding, the guidance reflected a genuine investment in students’ learning and growth.

These courses strengthened my confidence, conceptual thinking, and approach to creative problem-solving, and have influenced how I develop projects moving forward.


︎︎︎ Daisy Warren. F25 Studio Systems
︎︎︎ Winner of MIT Reality Hack 2026, Team  (Dev Post) 
︎︎︎ Linkedin Post

I took Binna’s class for core lab Environments.

I really enjoyed the way we could explore creative technology through the design process in our class with Binna. I feel like the design process is sometimes left out in DT, so Binna made us do a design thinking workshop which was really helpful to understand how to apply it to our fields in creative technology.

The critique in class is strong and blunt, so if you are falling back it will be visible, which is good to keep you on your toes. Personally, I appreciated having critique be harsh because it helps you grow. Another reason I appreciated the style of critique was seeing my peers grow past their challenges, which was really inspiring because we all learn from each other.


︎︎︎ Arav Tewari. S25 Studio Systems

Core Studio: Systems was one of the most challenging but rewarding courses I've taken at Parsons. The course structure around process and iteration allowed projects to evolve organically while maintaining clear expectations about depth and rigor. The curated resources and class discussions helped unpack complex concepts in meaningful ways, and the design thinking sessions provided a strong foundation for approaching speculative design work.

The feedback and critique style was direct, challenging, and genuinely invested in student growth. It consistently pushed me to question assumptions, dig deeper into conceptual frameworks, and consider perspectives I hadn't explored. The critiques were demanding but always constructive, reflecting a real commitment to helping students reach higher levels of work. The classroom environment fostered intellectual rigor balanced with creative exploration, and watching peers grow through their challenges was genuinely inspiring. This course fundamentally strengthened my approach to conceptual thinking and research-driven design, building both skills and resilience that will carry forward into future work.


︎︎︎ Radhika Malpani  F25 Systems

I am a student of Binna Lee’s Core Lab Environments (PUDT 2201) course. In her class, I primarily learned 3D spatial creation and design with a focus on Unity. We had two classes each week: one was dedicated to teaching how to use Unity, while the other was usually used for presenting our assignments. I consider Binna to be an extremely well-organized instructor. She prepared detailed, illustrated tutorials in advance covering everything we learned in class as well as step-by-step software instructions, and uploaded them to Notion. This required a great deal of work on her part, but it was incredibly helpful for me as I was learning a completely new software, since I could continue to reference these materials while working on assignments after class.

I remember that during spring break, I encountered an issue with a glowing material in Unity. Binna responded to my email very quickly and helped me solve the problem. Afterward, she also uploaded the solution to Notion so that other students could avoid running into the same issue. Overall, with her help, I was able to get up to speed with 3D spatial creation in Unity very quickly.

Beyond software instruction, Binna’s course also emphasized how to use Unity as a tool for artistic expression. Through weekly presentations and one-on-one discussions, I consistently received valuable feedback—not only technical advice, but also encouragement regarding the conceptual aspects of my work. While I was given a great deal of creative freedom, Binna always did her utmost to support me throughout the process.

Although nearly two years have passed since I took her class, its impact on me has continued to this day. Now, 3D spatial design has become one of the primary ways I present my thoughts, and I am still continuing to deepen my learning in this area. After Binna introduced me to the world of Unity, I began teaching myself Unreal Engine and exploring more complex workflows and creative approaches. Spatial design and creation have now become central to my way of expression and storytelling. In the future, I will continue to learn and explore spatial design from multiple perspectives. None of this would have been possible without Binna’s guidance and inspiration at the very beginning.


︎︎︎ Jiazhan Luo S24 Environmemnts

Though it was 2 years ago, I remember Binna's class being extremely well organized. The biweekly notion schedule was especially helpful, and it also made reviewing later very easy. Binna’s Unity instructions were extremely clear. Everything was written out step by step on Notion, and I actually went back to those pages a few semesters later to check things because they were so helpful(much better than watching tutorials on youtube).

I also liked how the goals and homework were set up. Having specific things to do after every class pushed us to actually learn Unity. When it comes to learning software, I think the only real way is to make something in it. I also remember that before we even built anything in Unity for the collab project, Binna asked us to build our environments with paper first. I thought that was a really great experience because it made us think about what we wanted to build instead of what we already knew how to build in a 3D environment. It felt like designing from the ground up. We also had chances to see each other's works in class which was fun and we got to see others' creativity. I liked the field trips too! The Union Square exercise taught us how to isolate different senses and think more holistically when designing a scene.

Overall, it was a very productive class, and I made some solid projects from it. One small thought I had was about the in class Unity demos. I wonder if it might be more time efficient to watch Binna do the demos in class and then try it on our own time, since following along live can be hard if we miss a step. Plus we already have those great instructions on Notion! This might just be personal though, since I’ve never been good at multitasking.

So glad to have been in your class!


︎︎︎ Flora Cao S24 Environments

I had the pleasure to be taught by Professor Binna two semesters, one in my Sophomore and another in my Junior year. I can attest to Binna’s teaching and dedication allowed me to build meaningful projects through our time together. This course, in particular, Core Studio, was structured in a way that made expectations and goals feel clear and challenging while still leaving room for exploration and personal interpretation. Studio courses normally are just meant to provide more insight into the projects we create within our Lab but Binna built a new model where assignments built on one another over time, which helped me understand not just what I was making, but why I was making it.

Feedback was especially impactful for me personally, as our major is incredibly broad. The critiques and 1:1 guidance pushed me to think more critically about my design decisions. Giving more direction and guidance to what I wanted to achieve rather than just fulfilling the physical computation rubric. Instead of being told what to fix, I was encouraged to ask better questions and iterate with intention. Through this process, I grew both conceptually and technically, gaining confidence in articulating my ideas and engaging with design as a form of inquiry rather than just execution. The classroom environment felt rigorous and a lot of students were able to learn through this environment as a whole, it was supportive and as a classroom this helped foster open discussion. We had these sessions every month called reading moderation, we used that time to have students lead critiques on other works/topics which fostered a peer learning experience without fear of being “wrong.” Overall, this course meaningfully shaped how I approach design and interaction! I am so grateful to be able to have an amazing professor like Binna, because she brought so much knowledge that I continue to carry into my current and future work.


︎︎︎ Faye Young. S25 Environments & F25 Systems
︎︎︎ Team Parse — Awarded Best Interactive Design & Community Impact

Tech for Change: ReMix the Future! 🎉 ASU Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center

I took Binna’s Core Lab: Environments, and the course strongly influenced how I approach creative technology and spatial design. The class was clearly structured, with assignments and expectations that supported an iterative design process rather than fixed outcomes. This structure made it easier to explore ideas deeply while maintaining rigor and clarity throughout the semester.

Binna is an extremely patient instructor, especially when teaching new and complex software such as Unity and MadMapper, which introduced me to an entirely new world of spatial and interactive design. Her step-by-step guidance made unfamiliar tools feel accessible and encouraged experimentation without fear of falling behind. Critiques were direct and honest, helping me identify weaknesses early and think more critically about both technical and conceptual decisions. The supportive yet demanding classroom environment played an important role in building my confidence and expanding how I think about environments and creative systems.

︎︎︎ Jack Ji S24 Environments 

Binna’s passion, dedication, and ability to inspire transcend the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to be her students. I had the privilege of being Binna's student from 2013 to 2016, and her influence has left a lasting impact on my education, perspective, and career trajectory, particularly in the field of interactive design and product design. She guided me into these sections of design before they gained widespread recognition, and her foresight and expertise were invaluable in shaping my understanding.
Binna's expertise was evident as she meticulously guided me through the intricacies of the design process, stressing the importance of attention to detail, user experience, and technical proficiency in interactive design. Binna's proficiency in technical details played a pivotal role in refining my skills and shaping my approach to creating innovative, user-centric designs.
Binna's strength as an instructor goes beyond imparting knowledge; she fosters a profound emotional connection with her students. Her way of connecting with her students is not only genuine but also deeply sincere. She goes beyond the role of an instructor, establishing meaningful relationships built on trust, empathy, and understanding. This sincerity fosters an environment where students feel valued, supported, and motivated to excel. Binna's ability to connect on such a profound level is a testament to her character and dedication to nurturing the growth of her students. Binna's dedication to her students' sets her apart, and I am grateful for the mentorship and inspiration she provided during our time together.

It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have an instructor like Binna. She allowed me to find my passion within product design, and her impact continues to resonate in my professional endeavors.


︎︎︎ Ryun Shim College Admission in Interaction Design, Ashcan Studio of Art