PhD in Human Centered Design

Program Overview

DePaul University's PhD in Human Centered Design prepares interdisciplinary scholars to apply technology and human behavior to innovative design solutions. The program offers a customizable curriculum, research opportunities, and collaborations with renowned faculty, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry research labs, and civic organizations. Notably, the program's urban location provides unique research opportunities and a focus on translating theory into practical solutions for urban environments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD in Human Centered Design at DePaul University's College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) prepares students to become interdisciplinary scholars who can apply various methodological approaches at the intersection of technology, human behavior, and design. The program aims to equip students with the ability to explore the use of technologies in complex problems through empirical studies and apply these findings to the design of innovative technologies, strategies, and practices. Students will work with renowned faculty, receiving training to advance the field of human-centered design through participation in research relevant to both academic and practitioner communities. This program is STEM-designated, allowing for extended post-graduation stays in the United States for international students.

Teaching:

Students collaborate with advisors to select courses and electives aligned with their research interests, creating a highly customized program of study. This flexible curriculum allows students to become well-rounded scholars capable of teaching and conducting research across various disciplines. DePaul offers opportunities to participate in design and research through various groups and labs, such as the Technology for Social Good Research and Design Lab (TSG). TSG focuses on designing, building, and studying tools aimed at fostering equitable education and empowerment in urban communities. Students work with faculty across the university and labs in the School of Design.

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for careers in academia, industry research labs, and government and civic organizations. Specifically, these careers include:

• Academia: Departments such as information sciences, computing, design, and learning sciences.
• Industry Research Labs: Google, Motorola Labs, Lucent Technologies, IBM.
• Government and Civic Organizations: OpenCivic, City of Chicago, Data & Society.

Other:

Research Spotlight: Faculty Mike DeAnda and HCD student Gracie Straznickas co-authored "Undetectable Starting Points: Rethinking ‘Passing’ in Level Design through Queerness, Disability, and Roxy’s Got Balls," which was recently published in Design Issues. This project explored level design through lenses of queerness and disability using game studies and human-centered design. It stemmed from year-long ethnographic research conducted during COVID-19 shelter in place ordinances on a group of people who met via Zoom to play bingo with Roxy Wood, a Black, transgender actor.