Shaping Digital Futures

Explore the interdisciplinary practice of crafting computational and networked services that enhance human life, balancing technological innovation with social responsibility, ethics, and economic values.

“

Technology is never neutral. It's shaped by our values and in turn shapes our society. Understanding this complex relationship is crucial for responsible and innovative design.

—paraphrasing Judy Wajcman, Anthony Giddens Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics and Political Science

Objective & Outcomes

In an era where technologies of all sorts—among them, mobile, web, IoT, generative AI, and Large Language Models (LLMs)—are reshaping the digital landscape, this seminar invites students to explore the interdisciplinary practice of crafting computational and networked services that enhance human life. This course balances technological innovation with social responsibility, ethics, and economic values, delving into the next stage and challenge for the design field—beyond the hype and towards genuine adaptation and alignment with human needs.

Building on this foundation, the course confronts the new frontier of design education: the data-rich environment of today’s world. Students will learn to navigate this landscape with a data-informed approach, developing the skills to create impactful, human-centered designs that respond to the complexities of our interconnected society.

Typical Schedule

Session 1: Business Management Domain
Session 2: Algorithmic & Platform Strategies
Session 3: Technological Domain
Session 4: Technology Assessment & Impact
Session 5: Design Domain
Session 6: Alternative Design Perspectives
Session 7: Social Science & Technology