PA5161: Redesigning Human Services

This course provides an in-depth examination of the history and institutions delivering human services in the United States, with an emphasis on how human-centered design can help improve service provision and outcomes. It explores how public, nonprofit, and philanthropic structures create unique operational realities and cultures that must be navigated to lead change across institutional boundaries. It also systematically investigates contributors to disparities in the human services system, particularly race. The use of frameworks such as human-centered design, human services value curve, and an equity lens will help us on this exploration. Course learning materials take students through a design process to highlight strategies for systems change and improvement grounded in outcomes. Design processes are iterative and involve understanding and engaging the people and context in problem solving. Through project-based learning approach, students will understand the various constraints that need to be navigated in design: feasibility, viability, and desirability. Students gain experience using design to help appreciate these constraints and develop strategies for overcoming them.

View on University Catalog