Courses

Description

In this course, we’ll dive into the core areas of design theory and research: design methods, design cognition, decision-based design, computational design, ‘beyond-the-artifact’ design, and design justice, exploring how the study of design has evolved and how research informs the practice of design today. Through reading, discussing, and exploring design literature, students will:

• Gain an understanding of why design is essential to engineering 

• Learn about research driving design practice from its historical roots to emerging applications

• Place their own interests -- whether in academia or industry -- within the broader context of design theory and practice

Prerequisites and Eligibility

There are no prerequisites for the course, though students are encouraged to have prior experience in hands-on design work (e.g., MEX50). The course will be taught from a lens of engineering design research and assumes students have research interests in design.

Upper-level undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines are welcome to enroll.

Registration

Course registration requires permission of the instructor. If you would like a place in this course, please send a brief note to Professor Julia Kramer (kramerju@umich.edu) with the following information:

• Class standing (e.g., undergrad, master’s, or PhD; number of years into your program)

• Home department

• 1-3 sentences describing your interests in the class