DEA 1110

Making a Difference by Design

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course provides a broad overview of design applied various disciplines, scales, and problem contexts, and how design can offer an alternative, and often more human-centered perspective towards solving the problems around us. With a focus on designing with a human-centered mindset in this age of technology, we will examine topics on the role of design in wearable computing, virtual and tangible interfaces, robotics to biology. We will also apply the lens of design to issues on sustainability, healthy environments, diversity and inclusion, and designing for social good. Each week, through case studies and familiar examples, DEA 1110 explores how designing is part of every discipline.

Enrollment Priority REF-FA25 Enrollment priority given to: DEA undergraduate majors. DEA minors and transfers will be given enrollment consideration based on course caps and/or permission of instructor.

Exploratory Studies (CU-CEL), (CU-SBY)

Last 4 terms offered (None)

Outcomes REF-FA25

• Comprehend disciplines and fields, develop an understanding of design applied across a wide range of disciplines to make a difference, and learn to appreciate design at different scales and applied across problem contexts.
• Apply multi-disciplinary perspectives, identify and examine the relationship between design, technology, and other disciplines, and proactively apply interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives to problem-solving.
• Write, speak, and use visual communications effectively, demonstrate the ability to develop and communicate one's creative ideas effectively through writing, visuals, and tangible prototypes.

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