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Design

Creation of Artifacts in Society

Karl T. Ulrich

4.6

Based on 341 ratings

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Karl T. Ulrich

This is a course aimed at making you a better designer. The course marries theory and practice, as both are valuable in improving design performance. Lectures and readings will lay out the fundamental concepts that underpin design as a human activity. Weekly design challenges test your ability to apply those ideas to solve real problems. The course is deliberately broad - spanning all domains of design, including architecture, graphics, services, apparel, engineered goods, and products. The emphasis of the course is the basic design process: define, explore, select, and refine. You, the student, bring to the course your particular interests and expertise related to, for instance, engineering, furniture, fashion, architecture, or products. In prior sessions of the course about half of the participants were novices and about half had prior professional design expertise. Both groups seem to benefit substantially from the course. All project work is evaluated by your peers -- and indeed, you will also be a peer reviewer. This format allows you to see an interesting collection of projects while getting useful feedback on your own project.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week #1: Introduction to Design

This module was designed to introduce you to the design process and to reinforce the critical role that user needs play in good design. You'll learn that design is conceiving and giving form to artifacts that solve problems, and also how to recognize and identify a gap in a problem. You'll explore what defines what users need, as well as ways to use those needs toward product design. By the end of this module, you will have begun your own design process by identifying 10 problem gaps and submitting them for feedback from your peers. You will also do a "5 Whys" exercise to help you determine the best design problem for you to solve in your final design project.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Helps you become a better designer through theory and practice, providing a strong foundation

Taught by Karl T. Ulrich, who's highly respected in the design industry

Takes a practical approach by offering real-world design challenges

Spans all design domains, ensuring its relevance to most designers

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Reviews summary

Broad introduction to design process

Based on the course description, this course offers a neutral introduction to the design process, covering fundamental concepts and practical application through weekly challenges. It aims to marry neutral theory and practice across various design domains. Learners can expect to engage in a neutral structured process: define, explore, select, and refine. A notable feature is the reliance on neutral peer review for project evaluation, providing exposure to diverse projects and feedback. The course is described as suitable for a positive mix of both novices and those with prior design experience, suggesting positive broad applicability.

Includes basic drawing principles for design.

"Learning basic drawing principles is included in the course structure."

"Week 2 specifically focuses on drawing solutions for product design."

"There's a component covering how to present designs using drawing."

Spans various design fields, from products to services.

"It was interesting to see how the design process applies to architecture, apparel, and services, not just products."

"The course covers a really wide range of design types, which is good for a general overview."

"They said the course spans all domains of design, which is useful context."

Project feedback and evaluation comes from peers.

"Evaluating other projects gives you a great perspective on different approaches."

"Getting feedback from peers is a core part of the course structure."

"My project work was evaluated by others taking the course."

Designed for both beginners and experienced learners.

"The course description mentions it's for novices and those with prior experience."

"It seems like the course can benefit people just starting or those wanting to refresh fundamentals."

"They stated that both beginners and professionals benefit substantially."

Guides through the design process step-by-step.

"I appreciated the clear progression through the design process from problem definition to refinement."

"The course follows a logical structure: define, explore, select, refine."

"The weekly modules build upon each other nicely, following the core design process."

Combines lectures with hands-on design challenges.

"The lectures explain the 'why' behind design, and the challenges let you immediately apply it."

"I like that it includes both fundamental concepts and practical projects."

"Getting to apply the ideas from the readings to solve real problems in the challenges was helpful."

Breadth across domains may limit depth in areas.

"Because it covers so many areas, it might not go super deep into any one specific design type."

"Being 'deliberately broad' might mean it stays at a high level overview."

"I wonder if the course provides enough detail for specialized interests."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Design: Creation of Artifacts in Society with these activities:

Read 'The Design of Everyday Things'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of design and how they apply to everyday objects. Reading it will give you a strong foundation for the course and help you understand the concepts of design.

View Things That Make Us Smart: Defending Human... on Amazon

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Read one chapter per week
Take notes on the key concepts
Apply the concepts to your own design projects

Practice sketching to improve drawing

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Sketching is an essential skill for product designers. Doing this before starting the course will help improve your hand-eye coordination and give you a strong basis for the drawing modules.

Browse courses on Drawing

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Find a still life or object to draw from
Set a timer for 5 minutes
Sketch the object, focusing on capturing the basic shapes and proportions
Compare your sketch to the object and identify areas for improvement
Repeat steps 1-4 for at least 10 different objects

Watch tutorials on design software

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Watching tutorials on design software will help you learn how to use the tools you need to create your designs.

Browse courses on Design Software

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Find tutorials on YouTube or other online platforms
Watch the tutorials and follow along
Practice using the software on your own

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Practice design thinking exercises

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Practicing design thinking exercises will help you develop your creative problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Design

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Find design thinking exercises online or in books
Complete the exercises on your own or with a group
Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement

Attend a design workshop

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Attending a design workshop will give you an opportunity to learn from experienced designers and get hands-on experience with different design techniques.

Browse courses on Design

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Find a design workshop that interests you
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities
Follow up with the workshop organizers or attendees

Participate in weekly peer review sessions

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Peer review is an essential part of the design process. Participating in weekly peer review sessions will give you feedback on your work and help you improve your design skills.

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Attend the weekly peer review sessions
Bring your work in progress to the sessions
Give feedback to other students
Incorporate feedback into your own work

Volunteer at a design organization

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Volunteering at a design organization will give you hands-on experience and help you network with other designers.

Browse courses on Design

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Find a design organization that you are interested in
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend volunteer orientation
Participate in volunteer activities

Create a design portfolio

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A design portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and get feedback from potential employers. Creating a portfolio will help you organize your work and prepare for job interviews.

Browse courses on Design

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Gather your best work
Create a website or digital portfolio to showcase your work
Get feedback from friends, family, or mentors
Update your portfolio regularly

Career center

Learners who complete Design: Creation of Artifacts in Society will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Designer

A Web Designer creates the design and layout of websites. They work with engineers and other stakeholders to ensure that the website is user-friendly and meets the needs of users. Web Designers typically have a strong understanding of design principles and the latest trends in web design. This course may be useful for those seeking to become web designers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to apply them to real-world problems. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform design decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Graphic Designer

A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and other publications. They may also create logos, letterheads, websites, and other visual materials. This course may be useful for those seeking to become graphic designers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to use design software. The course also covers the design process from start to finish, which is essential for creating successful graphic design projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer combines art, science, and engineering to develop the concepts and designs for manufactured products. They work to create products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course may be useful for those seeking to become industrial designers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to apply them to real-world problems. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform design decisions, which is essential for designing successful products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Product Designer

A Product Designer creates products that are both useful and aesthetically pleasing. They work with engineers and other stakeholders to develop products that meet the needs of users. Product Designers typically have a strong understanding of design principles and the latest trends in product design. This course may be useful for those seeking to become product designers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to apply them to real-world problems. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform design decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

UI/UX Designer

A UI/UX Designer creates the user interface and user experience for websites and apps. They work with engineers and other stakeholders to ensure that the user interface is easy to use and the user experience is enjoyable. UI/UX Designers typically have a strong understanding of design principles and the latest trends in UI/UX design. This course may be useful for those seeking to become UI/UX designers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to apply them to real-world problems. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform design decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI/UX Designer

Interior designer

An Interior Designer plans, researches, coordinates, and manages projects to determine space requirements and select decorative items, furnishings, and architectural features. They may also provide advice on the selection of materials, colors, lighting, and space planning. Interior Designers typically have a strong understanding of design principles and the latest trends in interior design. This course may be useful for those seeking to become interior designers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to apply them to interior spaces. The course also covers the design process from start to finish, which is essential for creating successful interior design projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They work with other departments to develop marketing strategies and ensure that marketing campaigns are consistent with the company's overall business goals. Marketing Managers typically have a strong understanding of marketing principles and the latest trends in marketing. This course may be useful for those seeking to become marketing managers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to use design to create effective marketing campaigns. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform marketing decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

User Researcher

A User Researcher conducts research to understand the needs of users. They work with other stakeholders to develop user personas and ensure that products and services are designed to meet the needs of users. User Researchers typically have a strong understanding of research methods and the latest trends in user research. This course may be useful for those seeking to become user researchers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to use design to create effective research projects. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform design decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Researcher

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the lifecycle of a product, from its initial concept to its launch and beyond. They work with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the product meets the needs of users and is successful in the marketplace. Product Managers typically have a strong understanding of product development and the latest trends in technology. This course may be useful for those seeking to become product managers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to use design to create successful products. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform product decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Service Designer

A Service Designer creates and delivers services that meet the needs of users. They work with other stakeholders to develop service concepts and ensure that services are delivered in a way that is efficient and effective. Service Designers typically have a strong understanding of design principles and the latest trends in service design. This course may be useful for those seeking to become service designers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to apply them to real-world problems. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform design decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Service Designer

Fashion Designer

A Fashion Designer creates clothing and accessories. They may work for a specific brand or as a freelancer. They are responsible for designing and creating new collections, as well as overseeing the production process. Fashion Designers typically have a strong understanding of fashion trends and the design process. This course may be useful for those seeking to become fashion designers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to apply them to fashion. The course also covers the design process from start to finish, which is essential for creating successful clothing lines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Researcher

A Researcher conducts research to answer questions and solve problems. They may work in a variety of fields, including academia, government, and the private sector. Researchers typically have a strong understanding of research methods and the latest trends in research. This course may be useful for those seeking to become researchers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to use design to create effective research projects. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform research decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Experience Designer

An Experience Designer creates seamless and engaging experiences for users across a variety of platforms, including websites, apps, and physical products. They use design thinking and user research to understand user needs and create solutions that are both functional and enjoyable. This course may be useful for those seeking to become experience designers because it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to apply them to real-world problems. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform design decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Experience Designer

Art Director

An Art Director manages visual projects such as marketing campaigns and oversees the production and execution of artwork. They are responsible for developing and communicating ideas, and making decisions that ensure a distinct visual identity for their brand. This course may be useful for those seeking to become art directors as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to effectively use aesthetics to create visually appealing products. The course also covers the design process from start to finish, which is essential for managing visual projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Teacher

A Teacher develops and delivers lesson plans to teach students a variety of subjects. They work with students to create a positive learning environment and ensure that students are making progress. Teachers typically have a strong understanding of the subject matter they teach and the latest trends in education. This course may be useful for those seeking to become teachers as it teaches the fundamentals of design and how to use design to create effective lesson plans. The course also covers the importance of user research and how to use it to inform teaching decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Reading list

We've selected 19 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Design: Creation of Artifacts in Society.

Product Design and Development

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Provides a good overview of the design process, and of the various tools and techniques used in the design process by using the Design Process Matrix.

Product Design and Development

Paperback

$$$

Product Design And Development, 7th Edition

Paperback

Decision Making in Aviation

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A classic in the field of design, offering practical advice on designing products and interfaces that are both usable and enjoyable. Explores the relationship between design and human cognition, providing valuable insights for designers.

Design

Creation of Artifacts in Society

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Broad introduction to design process

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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