Special Topics: Designing for the Present and Future of Work
Course Information
Course Number
HCI Undergraduate:
05-499 G
HCI Graduate:
05-899 G
Course Description
This course explores how emerging technologies, organizational structures, and worker experiences shape contemporary labor. Drawing from design, labor studies, and critical management studies, this course examines the challenges and opportunities of designing for equitable and sustainable workplaces. Students will engage with case studies from various industries, including fast food, logistics, and knowledge work, to analyze the impact of automation, AI, and algorithmic management on workers’ agency and governance. Through hands-on design research and speculative prototyping, students will critically assess existing labor technologies and propose alternative futures. The course emphasizes participatory approaches that center worker expertise in shaping new tools and systems. By the end, students will develop a nuanced understanding of labor’s evolving landscape and produce design interventions that respond to real-world challenges. Ideal for those interested in human-centered design, technology ethics, and the future of work.
Semester Offered and Units
Semester:
Fall 2025
Undergraduate:
12
units
Graduate:
12
units