Introduction to Human-Centered Design

In this course, students gain experience with the Human-Centered Design process, jumping into design sprints and collaborative work from day one. Over the course of a semester, students engage in three projects of increasing depth, from a one-week design sprint, to a six-week project with real-world organizations ranging from Starbucks to local grassroots non-profits. The course slowly transitions from playground to stage over the course of the semester, students gain confidence and experience with the design process. This class is fast-paced and varied, we build depth and nuance with the skillset, while maintaining a lighthearted, play-based style. Professors Fred Leichter, Shannon Randolph and Asha Srikantiah instruct this class on a rotating basis, with one to two of them comprising the teaching team each semester.

This class is the perfect launchpad to prepare you to prepare you to bring Human Centered Design mindsets and methods to almost any discipline.  It is the prerequisite for Advanced HCD.

Looking for a sneak peek at the type of work we do in our classes here at the Hive? Check out this case study from the class:

The Neighborhood Box: A bite-sized approach to local exploration