By learning life-centered design principles, we craft product experiences that are intuitive, sensorial, accessible, and profoundly meaningful. This approach emphasizes nature's diversity, neurodiversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that values human experiences and addresses the needs of all living things on the planet.

Life-Centered Design Approach: After this course, you’ll be able to...

• Apply life-centered design principles to create intuitive and accessible user experiences.
• Deepen understanding of neurodiversity, emotional connections, and human behaviors.
• Innovate products that benefit both individuals and the environment, enhancing overall well-being.
• Align with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles to represent all living things.
• Understand human sensory intelligence to drive innovative solutions.
• Utilize research methodologies to uncover human needs and preferences.

Students will shift from a linear to a circular design perspective, envisioning a sustainable future for product life cycles and manufacturing impact—from design and production to consumption and retirement. They will conduct research on material impacts, asking nature for solutions and apply regenerative principles, biodiversity, biomimicry and developing skills in systems thinking and resource management for responsible design and product development.

After this course, you’ll be able to...

• Ask nature for solutions and apply regenerative principles, biodiversity, biomimicry.
• Apply circular and doughnut design principles throughout the design process.
• Research the impacts of design and manufacturing on human and planetary health.
• Understand systems design thinking and resource supply chains for sustainable practices.
• Adopt a holistic design approach that considers the entire product lifecycle.
• Grasp how design affects the "R" strategies in Circular Design Principles: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, -Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Rethink, Recover, and Regenerate.
• Recognize the importance of waste elimination and utilizing biodiverse, regenerative materials.

Students will develop skills in qualitative design research and user observation to understand problem contexts and generate innovative solutions. They will create iterative prototypes, mastering rapid prototyping techniques and analyzing the historical context of industrial design.

After this course, you’ll be able to...

• Conduct research to innovate or improve products through investigative activities.
• Create detailed design journey maps to uncover user insights and enhance experiences.
• Explore new technologies and materials to develop innovative products and services.
• Engage in exploration and discovery during early innovation stages.
• Rapidly prototype new ideas based on findings from the R&D phase.
• Translate concepts into tangible prototypes for presentation and interaction.
• Participate in conceptualization, prototyping, testing, and refining processes.

Students will gain proficiency in a variety of digital design software, enabling them to translate concepts into detailed 2D CAD drawings, 3D models, renderings, and animations. This mastery enhances their design process and allows them to create immersive experiences by bridging physical and digital realms.

After this course, you’ll be able to...

• Utilize a diverse range of digital design tools proficiently.
• Translate ideas into detailed 2D and 3D CAD representations.
• Create high-resolution renderings to visualize design outcomes.
• Produce animations and videos to effectively communicate design ideas.
• Use digital tools for 3D fabrication and machining.
• Enhance design processes through effective digital tool application.
• Create immersive 4D design experiences that integrate digital and physical elements.
• Leverage AI for concept building and narrative enhancement.

A crucial skill for professionals to effectively visualize and narrate advanced design concepts. Clear communication is essential throughout the research and prototype phases, utilizing drawings, visuals, and product samples. Students will develop communication skills in design thinking, sketching, CAD modeling, and storytelling. They will learn to deliver emotionally engaging experiences and effectively convey their concepts to diverse audiences.

After this course, you’ll be able to...

• Communicate the design thinking process through effective sketching and presentations.
• Express design concepts using visual storytelling and your unique style.
• Transform ideas into tangible products and comprehensive solutions.
• Narrate human experiences and product journeys using rich visuals.
• Present ideas and engage in critiques with clarity and confidence.
• Use narrative techniques, written communication, and visuals to enhance presentations.

Students will cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and essential professional skills, engaging in teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration. They will integrate research and prototypes into comprehensive pitches, preparing to launch brands or pursue employment.

After this course, you’ll be able to...

• Understand the design process for translating concepts into products and services.
• Communicate design outcomes and share innovative ideas effectively.
• Provide and receive constructive feedback to develop solutions.
• Pitch ideas and creative processes through digital presentations.
• Collaborate across disciplines throughout design challenges.
• Manage project steps and timelines effectively.
• Deepen understanding of circular and life-centered design principles.
• Create web pages to showcase your portfolio or brand.