Designing to Enhance Confidence and Innovation

Speaker
Elizabeth Gerber
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University

When
-

Where
Newell-Simon Hall 1305 (Michael Mauldin Auditorium)

Description

Challenges don’t solve themselves. Innovators are needed. Domain expertise and creative and analytical thinking skills are not enough. People must believe in their ability to innovate. I propose that we can change people’s beliefs in themselves through work practices, online tools, and design-based learning. As a result, we can design in ways that make people more confident about their ability to innovate and, as a result, more effective innovators. My initial research suggests that this can fundamentally change the role of technology in our lives. I present design principles that support these goals.

Speaker's Bio

Liz Gerber is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering and the Segal Design Institute at Northwestern University. She holds courtesy appointments in the Schools of Management and Education. Liz researches how work practices and technology influences creative problem solving. In 2008, Liz founded Design for America, an award winning, nationwide initiative for college campuses that inspires students to use human centered design to create local and social impact. Previously, Liz taught at Stanford’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (aka the d.school). In 2008, she completed a PhD at the Center for Work, Technology, and Organization and a MS in Product Design at Stanford University and worked in the toy industry in San Francisco.

Speaker's Website
http://www.mech.northwestern.edu/people/faculty/profiles/gerber-elizabeth.html

Host
Jodi Forlizzi