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.
Spring 2026 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.
16 Week Course, In Person
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Social & Beh Sci - Beh Sci
DTX 221 | Human-Centered Design Across Disciplines
Students in this interdisciplinary course will explore the Human-Centered Design (HCD) process through lecture, discussion, and in-depth analysis of real-world case studies. The journey begins by developing understanding around assessing needs, synthesizing insights, and generating innovative ideas, before progressing to prototyping and implementing solutions. Weekly topics highlight HCD applications in diverse fields, including technology, healthcare, education, and social services, with a focus on the critical role of empathy-driven design and interdisciplinary collaboration. Case studies will offer concrete examples of successful design solutions and innovation. The course also addresses common challenges in HCD, ethical considerations, and emerging trends shaping the future of design. Ultimately, students will gain practical experience and a deep understanding of how HCD principles can drive meaningful impact across various contexts.
16 Week Course, In Person
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.
16 Week Course, In Person
DTX 495 | Special Topics in Design Thinking
DTX 499 | Innovation Studio
Design thinking requires deliberate practice, especially through real-world challenges that demand cross-disciplinary creativity and critical thinking. In this advanced, project-based studio course, multidisciplinary student teams will apply the human-centered design process to complete authentic, open-ended projects. Thematic sections will guide teams as they conduct user research, synthesize insights, generate ideas, build and test prototypes, and plan for implementation and launch. Teams will be matched with advisors for ongoing feedback and support.
Because this is a capstone-level experience, students are expected to enter the course with foundational knowledge of human-centered design or prior experience working on a design-based or user-focused project. Students who are new to design thinking should first complete DTX 451: Introduction to Design Thinking (or an equivalent course) to ensure success in DTX 499.
16 Week Course, In Person
Interdisciplinary Certificate in Social Design
For students interested in combining human-centeredness with social impact design
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.
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.