what is this course about?

This discussion-rich course is for students to learn design thinking to more confidently navigate life and careers as members and allies of the Black community. This course will allow students to navigate identity while building community to uplift Black voices through design thinking tools to help leverage their experiences and gain a competitive edge. Students will gain a deeper understanding of intersectionality, how to create and cultivate alignment, and learn to effectively navigate life design schemas, ideas, and options.

This is a 2-unit class, meets once a week and is graded on credit/no credit basis. 

when is this course offered?

This course is offered in the Autumn terms.  

WHAT ARE STUDENTS SAYING?

Check out this article about what happens in DBE!

What’s “design thinking” and how does it apply to my life and career?

Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem solving and innovation through prototype iteration. It is highly collaborative and a hands-on process for conceiving new solutions and getting unstuck. Design thinking emphasizes learning by doing and through feedback and iteration, allows students to make ideas real in the world. This approach lends itself especially well to the challenge of designing your life and vocation, large and vaguely defined tasks, because is allows you to start where you are - and build from there. While some people really do know what they want to do with their lives, the large majority of people have to try a few things out and learn as they go. The steps along the way are prototypes to enjoy and learn from, not failures.

How much work is this class?

It’s 2 units. The class meets for two hours each week, which will include both class and section time. Attendance at all classes is mandatory unless by special arrangement, and missing more than 1 class will result in the need for discussion with instructors and may result in no credit. Outside of class expect 30-60 minutes of reading and one or two hours of written work and reflection exercises. The two major homework efforts are making a number of information interviews and writing them up and at the end of the course developing a draft “Odyssey Plan” for your post graduation season. These assignments are larger in scope and may take multiple hours.

Do I have to actually design things in this class?

Products - no. But prototype behaviors, ideation, and designs for things that you can do and try yourself - yes. You will get exposure to the design thinking process, and practice the steps of empathizing, defining and framing design problems, ideation, prototyping and testing prototypes in action and in conversation. You will use the mindsets of a designer on your own life and to get unstuck. By the end of the term, you will be able to apply the design process on problems that matter to you.

ARE THERE SIMILAR COURSES I COULD TAKE?

Designing Black Experiences is one of many courses we teach that applies the Design Thinking approach to wicked life problems. Check out the full list of courses we offer here. With each course, we’ve tailored the material to a specific student population.

Stoked! where can i sign up? 

Sign up for ENGR180: Designing Black Experiences on Axess.