Mission Statement

RISDPedia Do you know when it is better to use Dap's Plastic Wood than to use Elmer's Wood Filler? The truth is, most of us just purchase what is less expensive, or the product we have used before. But what if that simple choice could cost you extra hours on a project? How would you know? How could you know? Because project deadlines are short enough as it is, people do not have the time to fuss with new materials, and often rely on the materials they have used previously in class. Although this is not necessarily bad in nature, students often spend more time on projects than is necessary simply because they are using the wrong material for the job. There are literally thousands of adhesives, fillers, and other materials available for purchase in the RISD stores, and to ask any one person to know them all is simply asinine. Enter RISDpedia. RISDpedia, simply put, is an instruction manual for all materials found around RISD. Freely editable by any RISD student, RISDpedia takes advantage of other people's knowledge of materials. By bringing the entire school's knowledge together into one easily searchable and navigable place, students can find the materials they need for a project before they even begin. And not just the materials, the right materials. Every material product sold at and around RISD will be fully reviewed and indexed, with pictures, so that any searcher can find out what materials work best together, how to use the materials, and most importantly, how not to use the materials.

First and foremost, risdpedia is a wiki, meaning it is open to be edited by anyone. All articles on the site rely on the knowledge of others to be written, to be elaborated, to be useful. The site hopes to attract students who are excited by the idea of helping each other and inputting information in hopes that others will add something for them to learn also.

The benefits of a website like Risdpedia are varied depending on the type of participation readers offer it. On the one hand, as long as the creators continue to fill in new products and compile relevant documents (such as msds forms), the site could turn into a simple reference page for students purchasing at the school store. However, with the proper participation, the site could grow to include information that would demonstrate the advantageous aspects of digital media.

In general, the typical risd student is fairly secluded, especially when working on artistic projects. We don’t ask others for advice as to what product to use, and, in general, we don’t expect anyone to know the right answer. Instead, we go about using something counterintuitive and never learning that there is an easier way. Also, we more often than not completely ignore or are uninformed when it comes to our safety and the guidelines for many products we use. Typically, people tend not to think about the long-term damage that occurs nor do they take into consideration the well being of those around them.

By inputting such information online, we give people a guilt-free way to learn about their options. No scary, awkward interactions with other humans; instead, you can use your computer to read up on the trials and tribulations of other students. The use of digital media adds a level of anonymity that otherwise could not exist. At the same time, this site gives those who have the knowledge but are passive aggressive a way to stick it to the man. For instance, if some one is sanding poly foam next to your computer, you can just say, “you know, on RISDpedia, they advise against this.”

The truth of the matter is: Students spend too much time when working with new materials, and while nothing can replace experience, we can help get you started.