The Master of Design (MDes) program at UBC Okanagan stands as a paradigmatic example of interdisciplinary education, resonating across diverse contexts including aesthetic, material, technological, engineering, architectural, commercial, ecological, and digital realms. Anchored in UBCO's forward-thinking Outlook 2040, MDes epitomizes industry relevance, community engagement, and social innovation, addressing the urgent need for human-centered design solutions amidst escalating global challenges. MDes transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, notably bridging Engineering and Creative and Critical Studies faculties. This interdisciplinary ethos fosters the exploration of core design principles like innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, nurturing holistic problem-solving methodologies. The program aptly responds to the rising demand for professionals skilled in design thinking and user-centered approaches. By prioritizing innovative problem-finding and problem-solving techniques, alongside community-based research strategies, MDes equips students with versatile tools to tackle complex challenges. Moreover, MDes underscores the importance of integrating place-based and Indigenous knowledge, fostering cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. It advocates for ethical, sustainable, and regenerative approaches to entrepreneurship and responsible development, aligning seamlessly with global humanitarian design initiatives. In an era marked by multifaceted humanitarian crises, MDes emerges as a beacon of hope, nurturing a generation of designers poised to address global challenges with creativity, empathy, and resilience. Through its comprehensive approach, MDes embodies the principles necessary for shaping a better future through humanitarian design, urging critical reflection on the complexities and shortcomings within the field.

Authors:
Megan Smith, University of British Columbia, Canada
Ahlam Bavi, University of British Columbia, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Megan Smith, PhD, holds the position of Associate Professor in Creative Studies and Media Studies at the University of British Columbia, Canada.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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