ClearVision Optical Collaborates with Drexel University on Eyewear Design Course

Friday, March 27 2026 | 14 h 46 min | News

ClearVision Optical is partnering for a second time with Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design on Applied Human-Centered Design (PROD 345), a course focused on developing eyewear for diverse users through research-based, human-centered design methods.

Led by June He, assistant professor of product design and founding director of the Empathic CoDesign Lab, the course examines the physical, psychological, perceptual and behavioural factors that shape effective product development. This term, students are applying those principles directly to eyewear design.

The collaboration began with a virtual presentation from ClearVision Optical President and Co-Owner David Friedfeld and members of the ClearVision team, who introduced students to the project brief, Design Eyewear for Diverse Users. Throughout the term, students are conducting contextual research, qualitative interviews, facial structure analysis, affinity mapping and usability testing to develop inclusive eyewear concepts grounded in research.

“Advancements like 3D printing and digital modeling are expanding what’s possible in eyewear design,” said David Friedfeld, president and co-owner of ClearVision Optical. “ClearVision is proud to partner with Drexel University to help teach the next generation of eyewear designers, ensuring innovation starts with real people and real needs.”

According to the company, ClearVision designers are providing feedback throughout the term through virtual critiques and midterm reviews, giving students exposure to professional eyewear design processes. Students are also carrying out landscape analyses, interviewing experts and end users, analyzing qualitative data and developing concept prototypes based on user needs and human-factors principles.

The curriculum places a strong emphasis on participatory and empathic design practices. Students complete anthropometric assessments, refine their concepts through heuristic analysis and user testing, and produce both a process poster and a brand book documenting their research, development process and collection identity.

The course concludes with a final presentation and exhibition at Drexel University, where students present their work to a panel of industry professionals, including ClearVision leadership.

“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with CVO over the past two years in my roles as both an eyewear designer and a product design professor,” said June He. “The entire CVO team has been incredibly supportive of both our program and our students. They have generously provided thoughtful feedback and valuable resources on student design work and prototypes, helping foster a strong environment for learning and innovation.”

ClearVision said the partnership is intended to connect academia and industry while giving students exposure to real-world design challenges and professional critique.