Haaaard Sweatshirt

It's a sweatshirt. More technically, HAAAARD is a psychological belonging intervention delivered as an article of clothing. Plus a dash of sass, minus any scientific measurement of effects.

Harvard is filled with high-performing students and professors whose experience of belonging in this exclusive institution is often mediated by the normal yet challenging experiences of being in an intense academic setting. This sweatshirt is a pun, a joke, cry for help, and an assurance that none of us are alone here - it's hard for everyone, and we're here because we can work hard.

Inspired by the work of Walton, G. M., & Brady, S. T. (2021) on Social-Belonging interventions.

Designed in photoshop. User tested for maximum legibility, humor, and resonance. Custom printed and distributed in person. With a second print run the following year for popular demand.

FAQ from the sweatshirt order form.

Is this a joke?

Isn't everything? But no, the sweatshirt is real. And warm!

Why did you make it?

The Coop is too expensive. And this message felt more... right.

Wait, so you won't send it to me?

You'll pick it up in person, from me, in Cambridge, MA. On October 31. Party??

What does HAAAARD mean?

If you're here, you probably get it.

Who are you?

Hi! My name's Wyatt, I'm a first-year MDes in Mediums. Say hello! wyatt_roy@gsd...

What if I want to order one later in the year?

Look, sweet angel, I'm already drowning in my classes; this place is crazy. I don't foresee doing another print run, so this is probably your only chance! BUY BUY BUY! I mean, only if you want -- I'm not making any money off these, I'm just trying to support you and your dubious fashion choices. I was quite content to just wear the version I made for myself, except all of you kept asking for one, so here we are.

Why $44?

That's the direct cost. It's actually less than the cost -- I'll lose 94 cents if only one person wants one. But the whole point of making these is to support you, and it feels weird to make money off of the population you're trying to support. Also my vendor is pretty cool, so if ten people order, I'll make back the amount I spent prototyping them. If more folks order, then I'll make enough to give them to my sweet parents! And you get to pay the amount that you'd spend if you just ordered it yourself. Win!

Can non-academic folks get one?

Of course.

What's a good rule to live by?

Try anything twice.

How do you have time for this?

Oh I definitely don't.

Why are you still writing FAQs then?

Why are you still reading! We are the same, friend :)

Any other questions?

Send an email to every GSD listserve simultaneously. If you find one that's eluded my auto-filter, I'll reply.