Course #
31950

Course Description

Human-Centered Design is an established approach to service and systems development in the private and public sectors alike. Chicago and neighboring communities have complex social issues that could be re-examined through the use of design methods that facilitate human-centered research, visualization of ideas, co-design, and prototyping new approaches.

This course will focus on equipping students with Human-Centered Design skills applicable to public policy, by employing creative thinking. The most effective way to develop these skills is to apply them to existing projects – in this case, ongoing Policy Labs initiatives. Broadly, this course will be structured as a workshop geared towards giving students practical experience planning and implementing (qualitative) design research, analyzing data, developing design concepts based on research insights and prototyping these with partner organizations.

Learning Objectives

In completing this course, you will gain proficiency in using design to apply a human-centered perspective to social impact work. At the end of this experience, you'll have:

1.         a solid understanding of methods and instruments necessary to conduct design research

2.         the ability to analyze qualitative research findings and develop design recommendations based on this analysis

3.         experience synthesizing research insights to develop human-centered design concepts

4.         the opportunity to facilitate co-design in an effort to “learn by making” or prototyping your design ideas with partner organizations.

Who Should Participate in this Course

This course is recommended for public policy students with an interest in gaining proficiency in Human-Centered Design. Participants will be encouraged to apply what they learn to Policy Lab projects on an ongoing basis.