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Northwestern University

About EDI

Take a human-centered approach to graduate study.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Engineering Design Innovation (EDI) program is an 18-month, full-time design innovation graduate program that teaches students from a variety of backgrounds how to address complex design problems using an equity-centered approach to human-centered design. While solving the needs of real people, EDI students are deeply immersed in design thinking — an innovative process of user observation, visualization, rapid prototyping, and iteration. You'll graduate ready to lead cross-functional teams and design groundbreaking new products and services.

THE EDI STUDENT

EDI students practice user observation, ideation, rapid prototyping, and iteration in a project-based studio environment. They work with multiple stakeholders, students, faculty, industry partners, and practicing professionals to tackle real problems in context. 

Students graduate from EDI and take on roles as Product Managers, Design Researchers, Product Designer Engineers, Experience and Service Designers ready to design new products and services that responsibly consider the needs of multiple stakeholders in complex ecosystems.

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Curriculum

The EDI program's curriculum includes:

  • Human-Centered Design Studio
  • Core courses on design methodologies, product development process, and strategy
  • Elective courses
  • Thesis project
  • Design Boot Camp
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Studio Culture

Studio Culture

A highly-engaged studio culture is central to how EDI students learn and live during the program. 

Thanks to an intentionally small cohort size, EDI students are able to work closely with our faculty members and one another in a living studio. In this collaborative atmosphere, EDI students learn from and support one another.

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Pillars of the Student Experience

The EDI student experience is diverse, both inside and outside the classroom. Explore what makes our program unique.

What Sets EDI Apart

Learn about Northwestern's design ecology, the studio culture of the EDI program, and how you'll define your areas of interest during the program.

Areas of Interest

Areas of Interest

EDI students are asked to identify 3 areas of interest to guide them during the program. Areas include a combination of Design Research, Product Design, Design Engineering, UI/UX, Service Design, Product Management, Tech, Consumer Products, Healthcare, Social Impact, Sustainability, Consulting, or Entrepreneurship. 
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