Corporate Collaborations
Design is a discipline of synthesis, where ideas are built and tested in collaboration with industry. The Design Lab Collaborative program works with industry partners to progress areas of common interest.
Connected Learning Pathway
The Connected Learning Pathway program is a seven- to ten-week, co-curricular design intensive for UC San Diego undergraduate students that provides an opportunity for participants to gain design and innovation experience while working with civic, industry, or community mentors. The program focuses on applying principles of human-centered design to real-world challenges through an intersection of learning, making, implementing, and evaluating across multiple disciplines. The initiative was first piloted with the Sony human factors team in spring 2021. Leadership and key team members included Michèle Morris, Emily Knapp, Jennifer Taylor, Joyce Hwang, and a team of junior designers.
Focus on Design-Driven Transformation
Founding partners SAP and IBM have both accomplished remarkable transformations in their organizations and products through a design‐driven approach. Created in collaboration with the Design Lab, SAP and IBM provided access to education, IP development, experienced instructors, and other resources to help build what is now a robust center. The goal is to develop a formal understanding of how to structure and execute this type of transformation in large, complex enterprises, ultimately creating a program that teaches, guides, and mentors a broad range of enterprises through similarly impactful transitions. Key Design Lab leadership included Michèle Morris and current center director Michael Meyer.