Siebel Center for Design

SHIFT Program

In partnership with the Illinois Innovation Network

The Siebel Center for Design (SCD) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in collaboration with the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), is proud to offer the Scholars in Human-Centered, Innovative, and Forward-thinking Teaching (SHIFT) Program. This initiative is designed to empower educators across Illinois with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to integrate Human-Centered Design (HCD) into their teaching practices.

SHIFT participants explore core HCD principles and their applications in education, culminating in the creation of a workshop, course, or program designed to teach HCD concepts. Through a combination of SCD’s expertise and IIN’s expansive network, the program fosters innovation in teaching and strengthens collaboration among scholars statewide.

This 14-week structured program provides an opportunity to develop and refine HCD teaching skills while engaging with a dynamic, interdisciplinary cohort. If you're interested in joining our next cohort, please fill out the interest form here. The program cost is $500 per participant, with IIN providing funding to cover expenses for two scholars per IIN Hub.

For more information, please contact Rachel Switzky at rswitzky@illinois.edu.

Program Schedule

The SHIFT program follows a structured schedule featuring interactive workshops, virtual checkpoints, and immersive gatherings. Sessions focus on key HCD principles and practical applications for educators. Below is an example of the Spring 2025 schedule:

Example Schedule

Week 1: Kick-Off & Introduction to HCD (In-person/Hybrid)
Week 2: Mindsets of HCD (Virtual)
Week 3: Understanding the Problem (Virtual)
Week 4: Synthesizing Insights + Checkpoint (Virtual)
Week 5: Ideation Techniques (Virtual)
Week 6-7: Prototyping (Virtual)
Week 8: Implementing Solutions + Checkpoint (Virtual)Week 9-12: Specialized Topics in HCD for Education (Virtual)Week 13: Assessing Students During HCD Challenges + Checkpoint (Virtual)
Week 14: Immersive Gathering & Final Presentations (Hybrid)

Frequently Asked Questions

SHIFT is a professional development training program that equips scholars with the skills and resources needed to integrate Human-Centered Design (HCD) into their teaching and courses, while also preparing them to teach these principles to other educators and learners beyond UIUC.

The program is open to scholars from IIN colleges and universities who are interested in learning and teaching HCD. Each cohort accommodates up to 30 participants.

SHIFT includes workshops, virtual checkpoints, and immersive gatherings. Participants engage in weekly sessions, collaborate with peers, and develop strategies for implementing HCD in their teaching.

The program spans 14 weeks, with participants dedicating approximately 2–4 hours per week to workshops, activities, and deliverables.

SHIFT runs each semester. If you’re interested in joining a future cohort, please fill out the interest form.

Workshops focus on:

  • Introduction to HCD and its mindsets
  • Understanding and defining problems 
  • Ideation techniques and prototyping
  • Implementing solutions
  • Integrating HCD into teaching and assessing student work

Yes! The program includes an in-person kick-off and a final immersive gathering at the Siebel Center for Design. A hybrid option is available as needed.

Participants receive access to SCD’s HCD materials, including videos, readings, activities, the beta version of SCD’s Instructor Toolkit, and ongoing support via Slack and virtual checkpoints.

Participants will gain a deep understanding of HCD, develop practical teaching strategies, and create a curriculum or program incorporating HCD principles.

Fill out the interest form here to express interest in joining the next cohort.

The program costs $500 per person. IIN provides funding to offset costs for two scholars per IIN Hub. For financial assistance inquiries, contact Jeannette Tamayo at jtama2@uillinois.edu.

For any questions, please reach out to Rachel Switzky at rswitzky@illinois.edu.

Absolutely! The program welcomes participants at all levels and begins with foundational knowledge.

Yes! If you’re familiar with HCD, SHIFT will enhance your skills, introduce UIUC’s research-based tools, and connect you with a broader community of practice across the state.