Human-Centered Design Thinking for an Ethical and Accessible Digital World

This 8-week asynchronous course explores the principles of Human-Centered Design (HCD) and their real-world applications. Participants will learn how to design with empathy, conduct user research, and create inclusive, accessible solutions. The course integrates design thinking, storytelling, prototyping, and AI ethics, ensuring a well-rounded approach to user-centered design. Through hands-on exercises, case studies, discussions, readings and reflections learners will develop skills in accessibility-first design and understand how AI intersects with futuristic human-centered design. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with a design thinking lens to tackle challenges creatively and make a lasting impact in their fields.

Learning outcomes:

• Apply Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles across different design contexts.
• Conduct user research using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Generate innovative solutions through brainstorming, prototyping, and iteration.
• Communicate design ideas effectively through storytelling and user-centered narratives.
• Understanding WCAG 2.1 accessibility guidelines for designing
• Integrate accessibility into their designs to ensure inclusivity.
• Analyze ethical considerations of AI in design and develop human-AI interaction scenarios.
• Refine and iterate designs based on feedback to enhance usability and user experience.
• Adopt a design thinking approach to solve challenges in their respective fields.

Course Audience: This course is ideal for designers, product managers, information professionals, engineers, and anyone interested in creating products or services that prioritize user needs and inclusivity. It’s also beneficial for professionals looking to integrate human-centered design practices into their work and enhance their understanding of accessibility and AI in design. PS: Anyone interested in inclusive design, AI ethics, and accessibility in digital products and services.

Required Materials:

Textbook: No required textbook, but supplemental readings and resources will be provided.

Software/Tools: Basic access to design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Miro) and prototyping tools will be beneficial.

Hardware: Computer or tablet with internet access.