SHIFT Spark
SHIFT: Scholars in Human-Centered, Innovative, and Forward-Thinking Teaching
A professional learning series for educators ready to humanize learning and lead systemic change.
The Siebel Center for Design (SCD) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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. By tapping into SCD’s expertise, the program fosters innovation in teaching and strengthens collaboration among scholars statewide.
Introductory | Fast-Paced | Thought-Provoking
SHIFT Spark consists of short, highly interactive, virtual workshops that introduce participants to Human-Centered Design and demonstrate how it can be applied to teaching, research, and professional growth.
SHIFT offers an approachable, engaging introduction to a mindset that puts students at the center of educational design—no design experience required.
Sessions Designed For You
SHIFT Spark offers workshops tailored to specific audiences: some for faculty and staff, and others for graduate students. Each session applies Human-Centered Design to challenges specific to your context.
Faculty & Staff
Designing Learning Experiences
Explore how Human-Centered Design can be used to better understand learners, identify opportunities for improvement, and create engaging, meaningful learning experiences that respond to the needs of diverse audiences.
Designing Research Projects
Learn how Human-Centered Design can strengthen research projects by uncovering stakeholder needs, framing meaningful research opportunities, and designing studies with greater relevance and impact.
Graduate Students
Designing Your Research Experience
Use Human-Centered Design as a framework for designing a more intentional, productive, and fulfilling research experience by identifying goals, understanding stakeholders, and planning meaningful next steps.
Designing Your Professional Growth
Use Human-Centered Design to reflect on your strengths, aspirations, and opportunities, and develop practical strategies for shaping a career path aligned with your goals and values.
Upcoming Sessions
Fall 2026 SHIFT Spark sessions. Click Register for further details and Zoom link.
Highlights
- Free, virtual 1–2 hour workshops
- Introduction to Human-Centered Design
- Highly interactive
- Practical tools you can use immediately
- Topics in teaching, research, and professional development
- Ideal starting point for your SHIFT journey
Learning Outcomes
- Build foundational knowledge of HCD
- Explore applications of HCD in teaching, research and professional practice
- Prototype a small shift or new idea
- Receive feedback and reflect on next steps