Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions


Prefix & NumberCourse NameDescriptionSCHSemester OfferedDetails
Summer
DES 388Introduction to Design ThinkingA preliminary foundation in the emerging practice of Human-Centered Design, the methodology driving Design Thinking.3SummerSummer 2
DES 1903-D PrototypingUsing rapid prototyping methods with an emphasis on products and the built environment, this course prepares students to use prototyping as a means of testing ideas iteratively.1SummerSummer 2
DES 190Sketching for CommunicationStudents learn the elements of sketching to visualize concepts, document their thinking, and quickly bring alignment to teams.1SummerSummer 2
DES 190Design Research MethodsThis course grounds students in the tactics and techniques of several common primary research methodologies including contextual inquiry, intercept interviews, personal inventories, empathy modeling, and others.1SummerSummer 2
Fall
DES 394Anthropology for DesignThis course exposes students to anthropological and ethnographic tools that can attune practitioners to difference (social and cultural) and its implications.3FallFall Whole
DES 395Fieldwork in DesignStudents conduct fieldwork as part of a collaborative research team and/or under the supervision of a project supervisor. This course will emphasize the application of design research tools as a strategic practice within complex projects. 3FallFall 1
DES 397Service DesignStudents are equipped to improve existing health care services, create new ones and navigate the complex social, political and organizational challenges to bring them to life.3FallFall 2
DES 190Graphic Communication Tools2D Visualization tools for print and screen.1FallFall 1

Intro to Design in HealthBuilding on the foundational design tools, this course layers the nuanced and complex considerations for designing in the health space, while digging deep in design practice and challenging legacy health notions.3FallFall
DES 394Healthcare Law and PolicyThis course considers some of the toughest problems in current health law and policy.3FallFall Whole
DES 398Final Project in DesignStudent-led culmination and defense of learning. Each student will design and lead their own project with the guidance of a faculty member.

1

Fall

Fall 2

Spring
DES 690Design in Health StudioIn this capstone project course, student teams collaborate with clients, applying their design skills to immediate challenges in the health space.6SpringSpring Whole
DES 190Storytelling for PresentationThe frameworks for good storytelling applied to professional presentation and written work.1SpringSpring 1
DES 396*The Business of Design in HealthThis course equips students with acumen to navigate and succeed in the business aspects of applying and positioning design in health.3SpringSpring 2
DES 381*Core Lab - Design FuturesStudents are introduced to the practical tools of strategic foresight to imagine possible futures. Emphasis is placed on understanding the language, theories, and methods of futures studies.3SpringSpring 1
DES 398Final Project in DesignStudent-led culmination and defense of learning. Each student will design and lead their own project with the guidance of a faculty member.

2

Spring

Spring

DES 294Health Systems DesignStudents will explore all aspects of complex health ecosystems, learning principles and methods to understand interconnection and design future systems that elicit new behaviors.2SpringSpring

*Courses are waived for DMS Students

Total Credit Hours40



All course descriptions for the MA in Design program can also be found here