This is the second course in the Graduate Needfinding series; DESIGN231 is a pre-requisite. How do we affect change as designers within complex social systems? In order to do this, we are going to have to consider our own commitments and choose a system or set of interconnected system problems to become a "systems practitioner" within. This course builds upon a foundation of Needfinding Skills but expands into new territory by recognizing designers as change agents with internal values and commitments. By both creating space for these burgeoning designers to reflect and equipping them with the Frameworks and Tools to understand and challenge current system norms, we aim to set up our students to run new, brilliant, culturally sensitive and sustainable design interventions for systems change. Expect to be challenged, evaluate your paths of self-reflection, and both give and receive thoughtful critique.
4 units · Letter (ABCD/NP)
This is the second course in the Graduate Needfinding series; DESIGN231 is a pre-requisite. How do we affect change as designers within complex social systems? In order to do this, we are going to have to consider our own commitments and choose a system or set of interconnected system problems to become a "systems practitioner" within. This course builds upon a foundation of Needfinding Skills but expands into new territory by recognizing designers as change agents with internal values and commitments. By both creating space for these burgeoning designers to reflect and equipping them with the Frameworks and Tools to understand and challenge current system norms, we aim to set up our students to run new, brilliant, culturally sensitive and sustainable design interventions for systems change. Expect to be challenged, evaluate your paths of self-reflection, and both give and receive thoughtful critique.
Offered in Spring 2027 at Stanford University.