Class name: “Design for All”
Taught by: Visiting Assistant Professor of Visual Studies Ronah Harris
Says Harris about her class:
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 seven 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.
Harris on why she wanted to teach this class:
I’m passionate about empowering students to engage in hands-on, real-world problem-solving. This course was designed to simulate the kinds of challenges and collaborative opportunities they’ll encounter in professional environments where teamwork, iteration, and creative problem-solving are key.
What drove me to create this class is the belief that learning by doing — whether through group projects or independent initiatives — instills confidence and prepares students for the dynamic challenges of today’s tech and design industries.
I wanted to provide an environment where students can work through the nuances of collaboration and also develop individual mastery, which is why this course includes both a group project and an individual one. My hope is that these experiences will equip students not just with technical skills but also with a sense of how to manage projects, communicate ideas effectively, and adapt to the demands of the design field.
Harris on what makes this class unique:
What makes it unique is the emphasis on simulating real-world development scenarios through group collaboration and individual project work. Students aren’t just learning about design or media theory; they’re actively engaging with the process of creation, from ideation to research and preparing for development, in a way that mirrors professional settings.