Human-Centered Design

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

Governments around the world are tasked with delivering value to millions of citizens, yet often fall short of their intended outcome. This course provides a framework for developing new approaches to building things—products, programs, policies, organizations—that better serve people. This course is focused on understanding how the same methodology (Human-Centered Design) that firms use to design and build revolutionary products can be (and is being) applied in government to deliver better outcomes to the public. Design is not just making things pretty—it is a critical approach to problem-solving. In recent years, as the value of design for addressing complex human problems has grown in popularity, many have tried to structure and package design as a repeatable process. Yet what is especially effective about design is that it is actually not a linear process. As a creative endeavor, it is really more of a framework that provides an environment in which creative chaos can unfold, and eventually yield clarity in the form of a solution/hypothesis that can be verified. Deep understanding creates the foundation for creative exploration, which in turn leads to a hunch/hypothesis/concept that is then tested, refined, and implemented. While the staying power of the exact terminology (like “Human-Centered Design” and “Design Thinking”) remains to be seen, this basic framework has existed throughout human history and has gone by different names. Whatever label we put on it, it is a core competency of creative problem solving. The goal of this course is to prepare students for working creatively in a policy environment, and finding new solutions to complex human problems, in a manner that prioritizes people over politics and bureaucracy. To this end, the course takes a blended and hands-on approach to learning, combining reading and lectures with design studios, and guest speakers who will provide a first-hand narrative of their experience with innovation in government. What is a design studio? A design studio is a problem-solving workshop rooted in design principles. The word “design” does not indicate visual design. “Design” in this context signifies a particular approach to problem-solving which is the foundation of much of the work currently underway in government. The Stanford d.school and IDEO have championed the studio in their work. What will we be doing in the studio? We will use studio time to apply the principles and methodologies we learn to a specific problem that students face. This will include a “Discovery Sprint,” interviews, synthesis, and prototyping. Students who take this course will become familiar with: The definition of Human-Centered Design How / why HCD is useful in a policy environment The difference between “big D” and “small d” design Design principles, and why design is critical to our ability to effectively solve complex human problems How design can be used to develop better policies, programs, services, and products Why design is an effective risk mitigation strategy The “product” mindset How agile can help government develop the right solutions for people, save money, and avoid massive risk