Siebel Center for Design

Courses

Learn and practice design thinking and human-centered design with our "DTX" courses

SCD uses our research to develop content for our courses, and creates unique offerings in partnership with instructors and colleges. Our own "DTX" course code stands for "Design Thinking & X", meaning any discipline could combine with human-centered design. 

Our DTX courses range from an introduction to Design Thinking to specialty capstones.  These courses allow students to take a deeper dive into the key principles and mindsets of Design Thinking and learn how they can apply this to their specific fields. To enhance the connection to real-world situations, many of our adjunct instructors are primarily brought in from industry.

Our Certificates offer ways to combine Design Thinking with programs across campus.

Full DTX Course Catalog

Fall 2025 Courses

DTX 180 | Exercising Empathy

This course emphasizes the role that empathy can play in everything we do. Understanding empathy throughout our lives enables us to live a full and intentional life. How do we become compassionate people? When we approach trying to solve problems in our world, how do we ensure that we consider others, their perspectives and their needs? Students will be introduced to six core values to form a foundational understanding of empathy: collaboration, open-mindedness, empiricism, human factors, context, and reflection.

This course satisfies the General Education Criteria in Fall 2025 for: Social & Beh Sci - Beh Sci

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DTX 451 | Introduction to Design Thinking

Provides a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design. Students review, analyze, and reflect on completed design challenges employing the human-centered design (HCD) approach. Students experience HCD while working collaboratively on a semester-long project. Students learn methods to perform initial research, project scoping, conduct interviews, create journey maps and wireframes, brainstorm and propose ideas, and plan for prototyping. Students also learn to implement and develop storytelling and critiquing skills.

This course is offered in two section: a live online synchronous section and an in-person section.

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DTX 495 | Special Topics in Design Thinking

An exploration of questions at the intersection of ethics and human centered technology design. We will be focusing on the “empathize” component within human centered learning principles, to best serve others in designing products that serve others. As well as observing subjects through an empathetic and ethical lens, such as; data, environmental stability, artificial intelligence, apps and social media, content truth/validity, physical and mental health, and equity/inclusion. How do we design a humane world?
2nd 8 Weeks (Pot B)
Online asynchronous

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Student-Centered App Design is an 8-week, project-based course that focuses on using Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles to examine the needs of students at the University of Illinois and reimagine a student-centered app experience. During this course, you will work in teams to identify opportunities, brainstorm ideas, create wireframes, test prototypes, and refine your app concepts. By the end of the course, you will develop a more thorough understanding of HCD methodologies and gain iterative experience in app design, preparing you for future projects in the field.

Students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to enroll, as no prior programming or design experience is required, but DTX495: Introduction to UX Theory and Tools is recommended as a precursor for students interested in more practical hands-on training with popular UX design tools like Figma.

2nd 8 Weeks (Pot B)

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Introduction to UX Theory and Tools is a foundational course aimed at providing students with an initial grasp of the theoretical principles fundamental to User Experience (UX) Design, along with practical hands-on training in essential UX tools. The curriculum delves into key concepts of UX, encompassing user psychology, interaction design, information architecture, and usability principles.

Moreover, the course offers interactive sessions to familiarize students with popular UX design tools like Figma, with a focus on wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration functionalities. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, and project-based tasks, students will develop beginner-level proficiency in utilizing these tools to create and assess effective user interfaces.

Students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to enroll in this hands-on course, as no prior programming or design experience is required. This course is recommended as a precursor for DTX 495: Student-Centered App Design, and other similar courses on campus.

This is a 16 week course
Online synchronous

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Interdisciplinary Certificates

Interdisciplinary Certificate in Social Design

For students interested in combining human-centeredness with social impact design

Eligible Students: Undergraduate University of Illinois Students
Semesters of Course Offerings: Spring, Fall 
Program length: 12 credits; 3 required courses and 1 Elective Course
Format: In-Person or Hybrid

Interdisciplinary Certificate in Health Innovation

For students interested in the concepts, mindsets, and processes they need to innovate sustainable and human-centered solutions to complex problems within the health industry. 

Eligible Students: Undergraduate University of Illinois Students
Semesters of Course Offerings: Spring, Fall 
Program length: 9 credits
Format: Hybrid
 

Learn More

Interdisciplinary Certificate in Immersive Experience Design

For students interested in using Human-Centered Design to connect deeply with audiences when designing everything from augmented and mixed reality to real environments. 

Eligible Students: Undergraduate University of Illinois Students
Semesters of Course Offerings: Spring, Fall 
Program length: 9 credits
Format: Hybrid

Frequently Asked Questions

Sadly, we don’t have a magical SCD parking lot (yet). We do have a 15-minute loading zone in our south dock for quick drop-offs and pickups. For full maps, directions, and nearby parking info, head to our Getting Here page.
If you're hosting an event and want to reserve meters nearby, you can bag them through:

Absolutely! Campus community members (students, staff, faculty) can book our rooms for meetings or events using our online reservation portal.
For courses: our classrooms are reserved for DTX or officially affiliated courses. If you're not sure whether your course is affiliated, reach out to us at designcenter@illinois.edu.
Full building policies are here.

We only accept space requests for the current semester, and open up bookings for the next one after course schedules are finalized. Here's the schedule:

  • August 1: Fall reservations (through December 15)
  • November 1: Spring reservations (through May 15)
  • April 1: Summer reservations (through August 15)

Every request is reviewed by a real human (hi!). It usually takes 2–3 business days, though it can take longer during busy times. That’s why we ask for at least 48 hours’ notice before your requested date—so we can get back to you in time.

If you're a current Illinois student, faculty, or staff member, it's free! 🎉 If you're part of a non-University group, reach out to us at designcenter@illinois.edu and we’ll walk you through contracts and pricing.

We’ve got a few options! Small items like signage, water bottles, and giveaway materials can be stored in lockers on our lower level. Limited catering storage is also available when not in use by other groups. For anything larger, you'll need to coordinate directly with Facilities & Services and the SCD team.

This space is operated in collaboration with the Game Studies & Design program, Illini Esports, and the Computer Music Project. Access and support (including installing software or IT help) is managed by those teams. For assistance, contact Game Studies & Design at 217-333-4930 or game-studies@illinois.edu

We don’t offer free printing, but our Shop has a laser printer available during open lab hours—just pay per page. Outside of those hours, check this guide for other campus printing locations.

Yes! Food is welcome in all spaces except the Media Studio. You can order from any approved campus caterer, including University Catering at (217) 333-0126. Want to use our Catering Kitchen? Just request it in your reservation—and make sure to leave it clean and ready for the next group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Please send your request and UIN to amber@illinois.edu.

DTX 499: Innovation Studio is intended for those who have a significant foundation in Human-Centered Design. Please email amber@illinois.edu with a list of courses, workshops, projects, and other instances you have engaged with Human-Centered Design. Describe each step of the process where you used HCD. If eligible, you will receive approval to register.

If the classroom is not listed in Course Explorer, your instructor will email you the location before the first day of class.

When registering, select 4 credits manually. The system defaults to 3 if no selection is made.

Visit our certificate information page to learn more.

Unfortunately, we must cap enrollment to maintain a quality learning experience. No overrides are available.

Please send your resume to amber@illinois.edu. Decisions are made in the summer before the academic year.