Course

10201168 Human Centered Design
Course Information
Description
This course introduces the principles and philosophy of human-centered design. Students explore how design decisions affect people, experiences, and systems by examining human needs, behaviors, and contexts. Emphasis is placed on observation, reflection, ethical awareness, and iterative problem-solving. Through hands-on and collaborative activities, students develop a human-centered mindset applicable across a range of design challenges.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Apply core principles of human-centered design
    Assessment Strategies
    Projects
    Criteria
    Define human-centered design and its purpose
    Identify key principles of human-centered practice
    Apply human-centered thinking to everyday experiences or systems

  2. Examine the relationship between user needs, behaviors, and context
    Assessment Strategies
    Case Study Response, Written Reflections
    Criteria
    Identify user needs, goals, and behaviors
    Recognize how context influences human experience
    Analyze constraints affecting user interaction
    Apply observations to explain design successes or failures

  3. Apply design thinking concepts to problem analysis
    Assessment Strategies
    Projects, Written Reflections
    Criteria
    Identify key stages of design thinking
    Explain the role of iteration, feedback, and revision
    Recognize constraints as part of the design process
    Use feedback to refine interpretation of a problem
    Demonstrate design thinking as an exploratory process

  4. Evaluate emotional and experiential aspects of design
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product and/or Oral
    Criteria
    Identify emotional responses triggered by design
    Analyze how design influences perception, comfort, or trust
    Evaluate emotional impact using human-centered reasoning
    Reflect on how emotion shapes user experience

  5. Analyze systems and limits of care
    Assessment Strategies
    Case Study Response, Written Reflections
    Criteria
    Identify systems influencing user experience
    Recognize where systems fail to support human needs
    Analyze breakdowns in care, responsibility, or accountability
    Map stakeholders within a system and evaluate their influence

  6. Identify bias, exclusion, and ethical risk in design
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Identify patterns of bias or exclusion in design systems
    Recognize who is included, excluded, or disadvantaged
    Analyze ethical implications of design decisions
    Use effective methods to make exclusion visible

  7. Evaluate the human impact of emerging technologies and systems
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Presentations
    Criteria
    Analyze how technology influences human experience
    Identify risks related to automation, scale, or loss of agency
    Evaluate limits of technical systems in meeting human needs
    Reflect on the designer’s role in shaping responsible outcomes

  8. Articulate a values-driven design perspective
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Reflection, Presentation
    Criteria
    Record your personal values related to human-centered design
    Relate ethical design practices to values-driven design
    Articulate design commitments grounded in human impact
    Verbally communicate values