Improving human experience through design

At Segal, we see design as the deliberate shaping of the environment in ways that satisfy individual and societal needs.  It is a process as much as an outcome, helping to identify core issues, addressing both current and future needs.  We embrace the uncertainty of complex problems and expect understanding to evolve throughout the process.

Embracing many contexts

We use design to provide critical insights for all forms of human endeavor:  the development of products and services, the structure of organizations or society, transportation systems or public policy.  We strive to use design to integrate technology, people and societal needs in meaningful ways. While the Institute’s roots are in engineering design, we seek and engage exerts in business, art, psychology and communication throughout the design process.

Building community

Ours is a diverse community of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and researchers, practitioners and thought leaders.  We are designers, engineers, scientists, writers, doctors, performers, researchers, artists, managers, and more. 

We offer courses, projects, certificates and degrees for undergraduate and graduate students, and we build strong cross-disciplinary teams. Whether they are designing for stroke survivors in our freshman course, tackling design challenges in one of our student groups, or sharpening design thinking skills in a graduate degree program, the people of Segal are united by one thing:  a passion for design.  We invite you to participate in our vision.

• SDI 2.0 Community