Designing for Innovation (Oct 2026)

Learning Goals

• Explain the role of Human-Centered Design (HCD) in driving innovation.
• Select and apply appropriate HCD and Design Thinking frameworks for different contexts.
• Identify decision-making biases and their impact on innovation.
• Use maker technologies to rapidly prototype and test new ideas.

Course Overview

Welcome to the Designing for Innovation course where we will explore Human-Centered Design (HCD). Human-Centered Design offers a structured approach to problem-solving and innovation that prioritizes empathy, creativity, and user-centricity. It helps individuals and teams to generate novel ideas, test assumptions, and iterate on solutions, ultimately leading to more effective and meaningful outcomes. By focusing on the needs and perspectives of users and stakeholders, HCD also promotes greater empathy and understanding, leading to more successful and sustainable solutions.

This course is approved for 1.5 CEUs or 15 PEs. Check with your employer on reimbursement.

What to Expect

Human-centered design is about doing, so in this course we take an action-oriented approach to learning, emphasizing application of HCD methods in your daily life. Our goal is to give you a structured testbed for applying HCD problem-solving techniques to problems you and your team are facing at work, using coaching sessions and lectures from HCD experts to supplement knowledge gaps and consider challenges specific to you.

The course is divided into four modules, each spanning a week of time. The first three weeks include course content to review, and reflection assignments to apply the learnings. These assignments will be reviewed and graded. A culminating assignment allows you to apply your new skills to a - pervasive issue you are currently facing. Each week, our team will host coaching “office hours”, providing personalized feedback and answering questions as you work through the course itself.

This course includes live synchronous sessions with faculty or professional experts each week. While they are highly beneficial to participate in live, accommodations will be made for those that cannot attend.

Time Commitment

Learners should anticipate dedicating around 15 hours over a 4-week period for this course. Each week, participants will engage in readings, watch instructional videos, complete assignments, and interact live with our faculty experts, averaging about 3-5 hours per week. Additionally, we offer the flexibility to watch recorded sessions with our experts, ensuring optimal convenience for all learners.

Course opens on Friday for learners to orient themselves but officially kicks off on Monday.

Instructors

Dr. Nico Soria
Assitant Teaching Professor of Engineering Design and Mechanical Engineering

Recognition

Upon completion of this course, you will receive a College of Engineering Certified Microcredential titled Designing for Innovation. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile and other digital media.

Leading Through Innovation Series

This course is part of the microcredential series, Leading Through Innovation. Earn the Leading Through Innovation Series badge by successfully completing:

• Leading Technical Teams
• Business Fundamentals for Technical Leaders
• Designing for Innovation
• Patents for Innovation

Courses in this series are offered periodically throughout the year. For any questions regarding these opportunities, please contact: microcredentials@engr.psu.edu.