DES 260 - Human-Centered Design

Human-centered design (HCD) is a collaborative approach to making relevant change with people who are the focus of the effort. Part of user experience design (UX), HCD is used to evaluate, define and refine communications, products, services and programs. Rather than trying to get a design right the first time, HCD is an iterative process that includes multiple rounds of gathering and applying feedback to improve outcomes with constituents.

The course is a hands-on, project-based studio course that includes workshops and seminars. Students work together to apply professional methods to determine usability, accessibility, value and use design thinking to identify opportunities, ideate and prototype interventions using experiences on campus as source material. Approaches to identify and address ethical impacts of HCD design are taught through case studies and use of ethical frameworks.

Prerequisites
Any 100-level Design course (formerly cross listed courses also accepted).

Credits 4

Compass Attributes
Creative Arts