This studio-based graduate course challenges students to build AI-enabled products that solve real human problems. Working individually or in teams, students apply human-centered design, artificial intelligence, and rapid prototyping methods to transform innovative ideas into functional physical, digital, AI-enabled, or hybrid products.
Students conduct user research, frame product opportunities, generate and evaluate concepts, develop functional prototypes, and refine their solutions through iterative user testing. Throughout the course, students leverage contemporary AI technologies to support research, ideation, design, software development, prototyping, testing, and documentation while applying responsible AI practices.
Prior programming experience is helpful but not required. The course emphasizes the effective use of AI-assisted development tools that enable students from diverse backgrounds to transform ideas into functional products while focusing on problem solving, human-centered design, product strategy, and innovation. Technical skills will be developed throughout the semester as needed.
As a culminating experience, students develop a portfolio-ready functional prototype, prepare an Innovation Funding Proposal, and present their work during the course Innovation Showcase.
By the end of this course, students will be able to…
- Identify and frame meaningful product opportunities by applying human-centered design principles to solve real-world problems.
- Conduct user research to understand user needs, validate product concepts, and inform product design decisions.
- Leverage AI technologies to support product research, ideation, design, software development, prototyping, testing, and documentation while applying responsible AI practices.
- Design, develop, and demonstrate functional physical, digital, AI-enabled, or hybrid product prototypes.
- Apply iterative product development methods by incorporating user feedback, usability testing, and continuous refinement throughout the design process.
- Evaluate the feasibility and impact of product innovations by considering technical, user, business, ethical, accessibility, and sustainability factors.
- Develop an Innovation Funding Proposal that communicates the product vision, market opportunity, implementation strategy, and potential funding pathways.
- Communicate product ideas professionally through portfolio-ready case studies, product demonstrations, technical documentation, and presentations.
- Collaborate effectively as an individual contributor or as part of an interdisciplinary product development team while demonstrating professionalism, project management, and ethical decision-making.