Our department is dedicated to the power and the promise of design. We focus on both physical and digital products—simultaneously—recognizing that they are both essential to addressing critical questions about how objects shape our lives, the impact of digitization and AI, and the importance of justice in our design pursuits.

We embody our mission in three ways:

• We acknowledge the radical shifts taking place in the design professions themselves—roles blurring and bending between disciplines that traditionally define themselves solely as “industrial design”, “UX/UI design”, “social innovation design”, “design management”, etc. Instead, we view all design as the design of systems and platforms—where physical, digital, and experiential meld together with policy, business, and people.

• We believe in mentoring the “whole person”—not just their hands. Beyond extensive skill-building, we educate head and heart as well, placing a premium on professional development, portfolio, interviewing strategies, negotiation, and behavioral psychology.

• Our program is optimistic and generous, centering on our students’ unique perspectives and personal passions. Instead of designers just serving the industry, we see designers as driving forces. Designers bridge gaps between stakeholders, reframe problems, uncover opportunities, render the invisible visible, and champion change.
  

We invite you to join us.