Integrated Frameworks for Technology, Environment, and Society bridges diverse disciplines, perspectives, and techniques to address significant social challenges. This course explores a range of ‘frameworks’–including human-centered design, humanitarian design, communication design, industrial design, behavioral science, entrepreneurship, design thinking, ethnography, and organizational dynamics–offering students a comprehensive understanding of how these disciplines intersect to shape society and industry. The aim is to foster critical thinking and provide a holistic view of design’s impact on the world. Note: This syllabus is a living document and will be updated periodically.

This course supports students’ development as design engineers by building critical skills in framing complex problems, identifying leverage points, and connecting ideas to implementation. While distinct from the Collaborative Design Engineering Studio, it offers a conceptual foundation that students can draw on as they pursue applied projects, including their second-year Independent Design Engineering Projects. Throughout the semester, we will engage with external experts — especially practitioners — to explore specific situations and experiences in depth. The Fall semester will expose students to cutting-edge design practices, from commercial solutions to seemingly intractable problems that demand innovative responses. Students will be encouraged, with faculty support, to connect with experts.
 

Note regarding the Fall 2025 GSD academic calendar: While the first day of classes, Tuesday, September 2nd, is held as a Monday schedule at the GSD, PRO 7231 will maintain it’s regular schedule and meet for the first time on Tuesday, September 2nd.