The Psychology Department’s First-Ever Human-Centered Design course

In the fall of 2024, the Psychology Department ran its first-ever Human-Centered Design course. Taught by Dr. Joye Swan, PSYC 2703 Human Centered Design, introduced students to the process of placing humans at the forefront of design. It taught students how to use their creativity to serve human needs through the development of innovative and realistic consumer-driven products, services, or systems.

Many designers approach their field as a way of showcasing their creativity and design skills, emphasizing design as the center of the process. However, today’s competitive environment requires us to view opportunities through a different lens—one that focuses on human needs. Ideas born from the design thinking process ensure that outcomes meet three key criteria: they are desirable, feasible, and viable. By meeting these criteria, these outcomes create designs that truly serve people.

The course taught students to implement design thinking as a rigorous, human-centered approach to creative problem-solving, applicable across various functions, industries, and organizations.

The goals of the course were to:

• Unpack assumptions about problem-solving and teach students to approach new opportunities with the human experience in mind.
• Learn to apply design thinking fundamentals to ensure that a solution is desirable from a human perspective, while also aligning with what is technologically feasible and economically viable.
• Learn to conduct focus group interviews with stakeholders and targeted users.
• Apply user experience research to better understand human behavior, preferences, needs, and desires.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the full design process, from inspiration to implementation, and learn to transform an idea into an innovative product or service using a human-centered approach.

The class partnered with the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) Retirement Home to propose designs for immersive sensory rooms for residents with dementia and memory issues (average age 75). One hallmark of dementia is agitation, which is currently treated primarily with medication. The hope was to design rooms that would realistically mimic spaces that might elicit spontaneous memory recovery or have a calming effect on the residents. These rooms would provide a total sensory experience—engaging touch, sight, and sound.

The students were tasked with researching the lives and experiences of the residents to inform their designs. From their research and interviews with residents, the students proposed spaces that would hold the most meaning. For example, one proposed room was a beach, where real sand would be placed on the floor or in raised boxes for those with mobility issues. The room would include shells, beach towels, a heating lamp, ocean scents, and the sound of waves crashing or seagulls calling. Another proposal was a dining room setup, based on insights from residents who had vivid, fond memories of sitting at their family dining tables with the smell of fresh-baked bread in the air. This space would include tactile elements like plates, cups, napkins, and chairs, as well as the scent of bread and the sound of “family murmuring” in the background. Another space combined the dining experience with the professional lives of many residents. The concept was to create a television set, complete with cameras, directors’ chairs, and the set of a cooking show (think Julia Child). This would blend both the personal and professional lives of the residents.

The students presented their room recommendations to the staff and directors at MPTF Retirement Home, receiving much praise and accolades. This wonderful opportunity came to the class through a Woodbury alumna who now works at MPTF. It was a valuable experience for the students, and MPTF is now seeking grants to bring these designs to life. Stay tuned!