Master of Science in Design + Innovation
Designing and launching an interdisciplinary master’s program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
THE GOAL:
Create a new professional master’s program that is truly interdisciplinary, hands-on, and grounded in design thinking.
THE RESULT:
The 1-year accelerated Master of Science in Design + Innovation program, a collaboration of five of UW—Madison’s schools and colleges.
MY ROLE:
As Founding Academic Director, I designed, built, launched, and now run the program.
I also created the brand, the marketing, the recruitment and application strategy, the website, the service model, the student experience, and the future strategic vision.
Timeline:
September 2018 - May 2022
MDI and other students in INTEREGR 477: Tools for Prototyping and Manufacturing during the summer of 2021. Photo credit: Lennon Rodgers
In the Fall of 2018, several schools and colleges on the University of Wisconsin—Madison’s campus had successes in design and innovation—the College of Engineering’s Makerspace had been open for just over a year, the School of Human Ecology was well into their Design Thinking Initiative, and the iSchool had successfully launched its graduate certificate in user experience, to name only a few—yet nothing existed yet that brought all of these amazing teams and resources together.
I joined the UW—Madison in September 2018 to lead the design and launch of a new master’s program in Design + Innovation and to begin to unify the school’s design and innovation resources.
1
Notice of Intent to approved program in 9 months.
2018-2019
Our first step as a program would be to get through campus governance and become an approved program. To do this, I first convened a small, cross-disciplinary team from the program’s five partner schools/colleges (i.e. the Art Department in the School of Education, School of Business, College of Engineering, School of Human Ecology, and the iSchool) to align on everything from overall goals to program specifics.
With all partners on board, I then worked with the MDI program director and graduate student services coordinator to steward the program through the campus and system governance process, representing the program at department, campus, and system level hearings. Finally, campus approved our proposals for five new courses, two of which were the Collaborative Capstone courses that I designed.
Four MDI students working the room at the opening of the Dorothy O’Brien Innovation Lab at the School of Human Ecology.
2
Launching a hands-on program virtually during a pandemic.
2019-2021
After approval in July 2019, it was time launch the program! I met with deans, chairs, and instructors to spread the word about MDI on our campus. I participated in marketing efforts and admissions review to recruit a diverse first cohort of students, including launching our program website. I designed important aspects of the student experience, such as orientation and advising. And I built industry connections and assembled a diverse industry advisory board.
Then in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic closed campuses across the world, including UW—Madison. Our steering committee voted to launch, pivoting the program to online delivery. 15 accepted students became seven enrolled. We moved four core courses online, including our masters capstone courses.
To counter the isolating effects of the pandemic, I launched a seminar series now called “Connect + Create” to connect MDI students with design leaders and exercise their creative muscles. We also opened enrollment for the Fall and Spring semesters to allow those who were hesitant or out of work to join the program. In May of 2021, MDI graduated our first cohort of eight students who have gone on to become design researchers, user experience professionals, and product managers. That same month we welcomed another 15 students into cohort 2.
MDI student David Gruba participates in the ‘Connect + Create’ design charette hosted by the Center for User Experience.
3
Back in person, moving to Fall, and settling into a rhythm.
2021 - 2022
By Fall of 2021, MDI was back to its typical, in-person modality. With my course and events series hosted there, I have made good use of the MDI Studio Space in Wendt Commons, arranging different zones for student work, group meetings, and larger events with the help of Makerspace staff. The program cohort is thriving. We are looking forward to our next incoming cohort in May of 2022 and to beginning the next chapter of MDI as it moves to a fall-start program for cohort 4 (2023).