Learn how the Socially Engaged Design model can increase understanding of the design processes.
Assess societal connections to inform broader, inclusive, and sustainable design solutions
Apply socially engaged design principles to real-world projects
5 Modules
30 Hours
6 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About Introduction to Socially Engaged Design
Engineering courses often focus on technical skills and processes, leaving students with few examples of how to apply these skills in the real world. With "Introduction to Socially Engaged Design," you'll learn about this essential engineering and design framework, strengthening the connection between your work and its impact on individuals, societies, and the environment.
Developed by expert faculty at the University of Michigan, the Socially Engaged Design model shows engineers and designers to explore the broader societal implications, outcomes, and potential unintended consequences early in the product design process. You'll learn to explore, develop, and iterate on your solutions to make equitable, evidence-based decisions. You will better understand how your experiences shape your work and explore how power, privilege, identities, and cultural contexts can shape your approach and impact. The course draws heavily on real-world examples of product design solutions that enhanced and deterred the progress of individuals and communities. In addition to these concepts, you'll learn how to effectively work with stakeholders to bring a design solution to life.
By understanding design solutions' economic, social, and environmental impacts, you can develop better product and engineering design solutions for current and future generations.
Skills You'll Gain
Community Advocacy
Community-Based Participatory Research
Community Organizing
Design Strategies
Social Justice
What You'll Earn
Certificate of Completion:
Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Experience Type
100% Online
Format
Self-Paced
Subject
Arts & Culture
Education
Technology
Platform
Coursera
Welcome Message
Welcome to Introduction to Socially Engaged Design, a course that introduces principles and practices for addressing complex societal challenges through equitable, collaborative design. You will learn how to connect technical work to its real-world impacts by examining context, power, identity, and stakeholder relationships. Using real-world case studies, this course helps you make evidence-based, socially responsible design decisions that account for people, communities, and the environment.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction to the Socially Engaged Design Process Model
Video: Welcome to the Course
Reading: Meet Your Instructors
Reading: Course Syllabus
Discussion Prompt: Meet Your Fellow Learners
Reading: Help Us Learn About You
Video: PlayPump Introduction
Discussion Prompt: What were the unintended consequences?
Reading: PlayPump Instructor Reflection
Video: Sociotechnical Thinking
Video: What is a Process Model?
Graded Assignment: Lesson 1 Assessment
Video: What is Socially Engaged Design?
Reading: The Socially Engaged Design Process Model
Discussion Prompt: What are the key differences?
Graded Assignment: Lesson 2 Assessment
Reading: "How We Survive" Podcast Episode
Discussion Prompt: Podcast Reflection
Video: Roundtable Discussion on Lithium Mining
Reading: Module Recap
Discussion Prompt: How might you apply the undercurrents of the SED model to your own work?
Graded: Module 1 Assessment
Module 2: Explore
Video: Entering the Explore Stage
Reading: The Explore Stage
Reading: The #GlobalPOV Project: "Can Experts Solve Poverty?"
Discussion Prompt: How does your identity impact your ideation?
Video: Challenges in Stakeholder Participation in Ideation
Reading: Idea Screening
Discussion Prompt: How is idea screening different?
Video: Module Recap: Ideation Synthesis
Graded: Module 4 Assessment
Module 5: Develop and Realize
Video: Introduction to the Develop Stage
Reading: Key Decision Point & The Develop Stage
Discussion Prompt: Develop Reflection on Personal Project
Reading: Key Takeaways from Introduction to the Develop Stage
Graded Assignment: Lesson 1 Assessment
Video: Develop Stage: Analysis Lenses
Reading: Key Takeaways: Analysis Lenses in the Develop Stage
Video: Develop Stage: Example Analysis Tools
Reading: Key Takeaways: Develop Stage Example Analysis Tools
Graded Assignment: Lesson 2 Assessment
Reading: Introduction to Case Study
Video: Develop Stage: Case Study Part 1
Reading: Develop Stage: Case Study Part 2
Video: Develop Stage: Case Study Part 2
Discussion Prompt: Sustainable Metalworking Fluid Case Discussion
Graded Assignment: Lesson 3 Assessment
Reading: Key Decision Point & The Realize Stage
Video: Introduction to the Realize Stage: Case Study Part 3
Reading: Key Takeaways from the Realize Stage
Graded Assignment: Lesson 4 Assessment
Reading: Course Wrap-Up
Video: Course Wrap-Up
Reading: Post-course Survey
Graded: Module 5 Assessment
Grading Policy
Course materials and assessments are self-paced and remain open throughout the course. Learners must earn an overall grade of 80% to pass and receive a certificate. There are six quizzes worth between 5% and 20% of your final grade, and one final assignment worth 5% of your grade.