This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

HCDN 351. Introduction to Human-centered Design. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. This course explores the human-centered design paradigm from a broad perspective. Students are exposed to human-centered design thinking and experiential client activities. Topics include human-centered design principles, methodologies, user research, data collection and assessment, inspiration, ideation, and implementation phases, and critical- and creative-thinking models.

HCDN 352. Human-centered Design Methods. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Prerequisite: HCDN 351. This course explores human-centered design methods and an experiential client interaction. Students will be challenged to develop, utilize and assess several ways of knowing and thinking about how to effectively contextualize, formulate, conduct, analyze and disseminate the results derived from particular engagements with human-centered design and their processes in the context of research and design.

HCDN 353. Human-centered Design Through Service Learning. 2 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: HCDN 352. This course allows students to engage in an experiential nonprofit client scenario working through human-centered design methods that solve a community need specific to social innovation. Lecture is coupled with 20 hours of service-learning client engagement.

HCDN 451. Interaction Design and Prototyping. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: HCDN 353. Investigates the practice of interaction design using an experiential project-oriented approach. Develops expertise in design, development and critique of solutions for digital platforms and consumer products. Examines issues such as interaction theory, requirements and specifications, design language, prototyping, evaluation, and project presentation.

HCDN 452. Professional Practices. 1 Hour.

Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Prerequisite: HCDN 353. An overview of professional industry practices, concepts, self-marketing strategies, educational and career options in product innovation and venture creation is presented. Preparing written materials, documenting client work and building a professional portfolio for presentation to potential employers are stressed.

HCDN 491. Special Topics in Human-centered Design. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Study of current and emerging topics in the field of human-centered design. Topics may vary from semester to semester.

HCDN 492. Independent Study in Human-centered Design. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Students pursuing a da Vinci Center certificate may repeat for a maximum total of 3 credits. Enrollment restricted to students with junior standing and permission of adviser and da Vinci Center director prior to course registration. Intensive study or research under supervision of a faculty member in an area not covered in depth or contained in the regular curriculum.

HCDN 493. Internship in Human-centered Design. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. Enrollment restricted to students who have permission of the certificate director. Supervised pragmatic work experiences. Training is provided under the direction and supervision of qualified professional practitioners.