The Parsons School of Design Master of Arts Design Studies program was established to encourage the study of design as a transdisciplinary discipline with the goal of preparing students to become active agents of social change. The collection consists of physical and electronic files documenting the program's development and planning, and reporting on its progress, as well as syllabi and video recordings of a 2014 symposium.

This ongoing oral history program documents the lives and work of designers, artists, and others active in the fields of art and design. Interviewees include Parsons School of Design alumni, faculty, and professionals without a direct Parsons connection.