MS Engineering Design and Innovation Program:   In Depth

Below are five elements we think uniquely define the design-thinking based approach of the Engineering Design and Innovation program:

Tough problems

Good design applies to more than just products.  Our students use design thinking to create better services, interactions, experiences.  Our design projects reflect real-world complexity, spanning disciplines.

Real people

A human-centered approach is the hallmark of the Segal Design Institute and EDI.  Students observe, interview, and shadow users in order to gain essential insights.  Solutions are always grounded in the needs of real people.

Deep insights

Our approach to understanding problems goes beyond observation.  EDI students learn how to distill their research into key insights, and how to tell compelling stories about their users.  A good story leads to strong design directions.

Continual prototyping

Our students follow a rapid cycle of building mock-ups, testing with users, and refining their design direction accordingly.  Every question can be answered with a prototype.  Everyone participates in the process.

Active collaboration

For EDI students, good design comes not from the vision of one, but from the hard work of many.  Different viewpoints and levels of expertise enrich the process, and the solutions.