Carnegie Mellon University

IDeATe

Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology

Design for Learning

Students in the Design for Learning minor, offered by the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII), combine skills to imagine, design, iterate, and evaluate effective new media systems for learning—from creating games for learning to integrating adaptive ed-tech and augmented reality experiences into diverse learning settings. In team-based collaborations, students focus on the critical design of learning platforms, products, and systems that leverage emerging technologies, learning science research, inclusive design, and data analytics to create engaging educational experiences with measurable real-world impact.

Students in Design for Learning courses can bring media-making and prototyping competencies gained in other IDeATe areas (e.g. Game Design, Media Design, Physical Computing, Immersive Technologies in Arts & Humanities) to craft innovative learning experiences.

Through coursework in the minor, you will gain skills and competencies in: 

  • Learning design research and evaluation methods 
  • Concept modeling and prototyping techniques 
  • Learner-centered, inclusive and backward design frameworks 
  • Applied learning research and theory in team-based projects
  • Communicating design choices and concepts to diverse stakeholders

Design for Learning Minor - Minimum of 45 Units

One Computing Course - Minimum of 9 Units

  • 15-104 Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice
  • 15-110 Principles of Computing
  • 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science
  • 60-212 Intermediate Studio: Creative Coding

One IDeATe Portal Course - Minimum of 9 Units

  • 99-361 Section D: Learning About Learning (Spring only)
    • Other IDeATe Portal Courses by permission only. Consult the IDeATe advisor.

IDeATe Design for Learning Courses - Minimum of 27 Units

  • 05-291 Learning Media Design
  • 05-292 IDeATe: Learning in Museums
  • 05-321 Transformation Game Design Studio
  • 05-418 Design of Educational Games
  • 05-432 Personalized Online Learning
  • 05-738 Evidence-Based Educational Design
  • 05-823 E-Learning Design Principles and Methods
  • 51-486 Designing Experiences for Learning
  • 79-343 Education, Democracy, and Civil Rights
  • 82-288 Everyday Learning: Designing Learning Experiences in Times of Unrest & Uncertainty
  • 90-463 Policy and Leadership in Public Education
  • 99-362 IDeATe: Intelligent Learning Spaces
  • Additional courses as available. Please check IDeATe Courses for the options for the current and upcoming semester.
Double-counting:  Students may double-count up to two of their IDeATe minor courses for other requirements.

Design for Learning Faculty

The Design for Learning faculty represent Carnegie Mellon's expertise in Entertainment Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, and Philosophy. They carefully oversee the collaboration of students while delivering the IDeATe Design for Learning courses. Learn more about participating faculty here.