What makes design different from the other "making" professions like engineering or the traditional arts? Drawing on the philosophy of the Eames and Stanford's own Bob McKim, we emphasize the centrality of "need." What is a need, and how can it shape our design work for the better? This class aims to answer those questions through a series of hands-on design research challenges, culminating in an intensive end-of-quarter team project aimed at uncovering unmet needs. Skills and themes include: observation, ethnographic interview techniques, cultural psychology, data analysis and synthesis, metaphorical frames, concept generation (brainstorming) and systems thinking. Come prepared to "dance with systems"!
3-4 units · Letter (ABCD/NP)
What makes design different from the other "making" professions like engineering or the traditional arts? Drawing on the philosophy of the Eames and Stanford's own Bob McKim, we emphasize the centrality of "need." What is a need, and how can it shape our design work for the better? This class aims to answer those questions through a series of hands-on design research challenges, culminating in an intensive end-of-quarter team project aimed at uncovering unmet needs. Skills and themes include: observation, ethnographic interview techniques, cultural psychology, data analysis and synthesis, metaphorical frames, concept generation (brainstorming) and systems thinking. Come prepared to "dance with systems"!
Offered in Autumn 2026, Winter 2027 at Stanford University.