Design for All

Syllabus Here

Instructor: Dr. Ronah Harris
Semester: Spring 2024
Department: Independent College Programs
Credits: 0.5

Email: RHarris1@haverford.edu

Office Hours: Wednesday @ 12:30 or Zoom

Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to Human-Centered Design (HCD), exploring its history, processes, and applications across various fields. HCD is a creative problem-solving methodology that integrates insights from cognitive psychology, art and design, and user experience design. It is widely used by companies and organizations to develop products and services that are closely aligned with the needs of the people they serve.

Over the span of 7 weeks, students will be introduced to design methods and tools that will enhance their design capabilities. The course emphasizes practical application through both individual and group projects. Key concepts covered include design research, analysis and synthesis, concept generation, creativity, prototyping, and effective communication and visualization of ideas.

Students will undertake two major projects:

1. Group Project: Simulating real-world development scenarios, students will collaborate on a group project that requires them to navigate team dynamics, prototype solutions, and present a final product. This will primarily take place during class sessions.

2. Individual Project: Each student will independently design a project, which they will present in a pitch session at the end of the course.

Methodology:

The course is structured as a hands-on studio experience, with a strong emphasis on practical, innovative thinking. Students will work in teams to apply design methods, exploring opportunities, prototyping solutions, and interacting with users.

Additionally, individual projects will allow students to develop specific design skills tailored to their interests. The course culminates in team presentations and individual pitch sessions, where students showcase their design concepts and prototypes.

Grading:

• Class Participation and Teamwork: 10%

• Individual Assignment Solutions (Quizzes): 30%

• Group Project: 30%

• Individual Project (Design Journal + Presentation): 30%

Assignments

Reading Summaries:

6 weeks of reading, quiz and discussion. These should summarize the main points, critique the ideas, and relate them to real-world contexts and HCD methodologies.

Design Journal:

Maintain a design journal throughout the semester. This journal will support the development of a final team portfolio or case study.

We will use lab time to complete our design journals.

Final Project:

Proposal: Submit a project proposal outlining the problem, design process, and expected outcomes.

Final Report: Develop a presentation and demonstration video showcasing the project. The presentation should describe the problem, propose a new product or system, and outline the methodologies used.

Course Readings

Session 1: Introduction to HCD, Design Processes, and Methods

Lecture Here

Readings:

• Beckman, S., & Barry, M. "Innovation as a Learning Process: Embedding Design Thinking", California Management Review Here.

• Kolko, J. "Design Thinking Comes of Age," Harvard Business Review Here.

Week One Quiz

Session 2: Introduction to prototyping tools and techniques

Lecture Two

Readings:

• "Prototyping Is The Shorthand Of Design" Here.

• McCoy, C.D., et al. "The Rapid Innovation Cycle—An innovation and market testing process" Here.

• Sandhu, J.S. "Measure early, measure often: rapid, real-time feedback in design for social innovation" Here.

Week Two Quiz

Session 3: Developing customer/user needs assessment plans.

Lecture Three

Readings:

• "Five Keys To Successful Design Research" Here.

• Norman, M., et al. "Assessing the application of human-centered design to translational research," Journal of Clinical and Translational Science Here.

Week Three Quiz

Session 4: Planning the development of high-tech products.

Lecture Four

Readings:

• Kim, E., et al. "Design Roadmapping: A framework and case study," Journal of Mechanical Design. Here

• Phaal, R. "Roadmapping for strategy and innovation". Here

Week Four Quiz

Roadmapping Activity

Session 5: Addressing emerging global challenges through design.

Lecture Five

Readings:

• Baldassarre, B., et al. "Implementing sustainable design theory in business practice," Journal of Cleaner Production. Here

• Norman, D.A. "Human-centered design considered harmful," interactions. Here

  Week Five Quiz

Session 6: Communicating actionable design research and results.

Lecture Six

Readings:

• Heath, C., & Heath, D. "What Sticks?" in Made to Stick.

  Here

  Week Six Quiz (due by last class on 10/23)

Session 7: Pitch Day

Presentation Rubric

Students present their individual projects in a pitch session, simulating real-world product pitches.