{Design.} DeCal is a 2-unit, 12-week introduction to design theory and practice, with a focus on human-centered design. We will look at skills ranging from user research and brainstorming to prototyping and user testing. The course meets weekly for two hours for discussions, guest speakers, hands-on activities, and design critiques. With a focus on product design, we will explore multiple facets like ecofriendly/green design, humanitarian design, persuasive design, aesthetics, and more. No previous design experience required; however, it is imperative that students have an open mind, a willingness to get out of their comfort zone, and a tolerance for bad jokes. Students will be evaluated based on attendance as well as participation in discussions, activities and projects. There will be one group project and one individual design project throughout the semester related to the design process.

WHAT IS HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN? From IDEO: "Human-centered design offers problem solvers of any stripe a chance to design with communities, to deeply understand the people they’re looking to serve, to dream up scores of ideas, and to create innovative new solutions rooted in people’s actual needs." That’s it! Hope to see you in class!

You must come to the first day of class on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 2 PM to enroll. We hope to accommodate everyone who shows up on the first day, but will lottery enroll students if we exceed the cap on the first day. The class will be held every Monday 2-4 PM in 310 Jacobs Hall. Jacobs Hall is the brand new design institute located behind Soda Hall when facing the building from Hearst Avenue. Room 310 is the large studio on the third floor. Please email us if you have trouble finding the room!