At Oregon State University, engineering isn’t just about building things—it’s about building a better world. That ethos drives the Design for Social Impact (DSI) program, a multidisciplinary undergraduate certificate that empowers students from any major to design innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
“Design for Social Impact is one of Oregon State’s first truly transdisciplinary programs,” said Julie Tucker, professor of materials science and DSI’s academic director. “We bring together students from engineering, business, the arts, and the humanities, and have them work in teams on community-driven projects that make a tangible difference.”
Launched in 2024 with support from OSU’s Impact Studio, DSI was developed collaboratively by faculty who recognized the power of combining diverse design perspectives.
“Engineers, artists, and business students all think about design differently,” Tucker said. “But at its core, design is problem-solving — and when you put these different ways of thinking together, you get much more innovative results.”
Design for Social Impact Academic Director
Blue Primary, Yellow Secondary
The program’s 27-credit certificate emphasizes human-centered design, communication, and systems thinking. Students engage in hands-on projects that connect classroom learning to meaningful social outcomes, partnering with nonprofits, research faculty, and local organizations. As Chet Udell, assistant professor (senior research) of biological and ecological engineering and DSI project coordinator, explained, “Students aren’t just learning theory — they’re piloting real solutions for real people.”
Innovation through collaboration
Each year, DSI students take on projects that span fields and disciplines. One recent collaboration, the Kuti Project, is an evolving collaboration among the Sitka Sound Science Center, Indigenous communities of Alaska, environmental scientists, and youth programs to co-design and field-test tools that support remote fieldwork and environmental monitoring, including a stream monitoring sensor called SmartRock.
Another project, Weather Chimes, transformed environmental data into art. The student team designed an Arduino-based kinetic sound installation that responds to real-time weather data, representing an intersection of technology, sustainability, and creative expression. “I loved how this project brought together engineering, art, and social consciousness,” said Winnie Woo, B.S. electrical and computer engineering ’23, a DSI student who published a paper about the project with Udell and others.
The accessible clothing project, led by a faculty member in the College of Business, reimagined apparel for people with disabilities or limited mobility. Students conducted user research with community members to identify pain points and worked with manufacturers to explore scalable solutions. “They’re thinking holistically about inclusion,” Tucker said. “How can we design everyday items in ways that truly serve everyone and that manufacturers can deploy on a large scale?”
Other projects have tackled multisensory experiences for the deaf and hard of hearing, created water purification systems for developing regions, and explored sustainable manufacturing solutions — all demonstrating the versatility and social impact of design thinking.
Who is DSI for?
The DSI certificate is open to all OSU undergraduates, regardless of their major. Tucker said the program especially resonates with “impatient change agents” — students eager to make a difference before graduation. “We found that students were craving opportunities to do work that felt meaningful,” she said. “They don’t want to wait until after college to have an impact.”
Students from engineering, business, and the arts often find common ground through DSI. “Many engineering students are creative in ways that their degree doesn’t always allow,” Tucker said. “They might be musicians, artists, or entrepreneurs. DSI gives them a space to integrate those passions while still pursuing their technical goals.”
Skills for the future
In DSI’s capstone course, students collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on design challenges proposed by real clients — from local nonprofits to OSU research labs. They learn Agile project management methods and practice working with “scrum masters,” including experienced industry professionals.
“When students leave this class, they’ve had a genuine industry experience,” Udell said. “They’ve learned to navigate ambiguity, lead projects, and communicate across disciplines.”
These experiences translate directly to employable skills. Graduates leave with a portfolio of projects, professional connections, and experience working with diverse teams — skills increasingly valued by employers in engineering, technology, and design industries.
Growth and future opportunities
Interest in DSI has grown quickly. Within its first year, 26 students enrolled, and 15 completed the certificate. “We’re building a real pipeline,” Tucker said. The program is planning to expand to OSU-Cascades and developing an online microcredential so working professionals can also access its core courses through OSU’s Ecampus.
Looking ahead, Tucker and Udell envision DSI as a hub for socially engaged design at OSU. “We’re creating a culture where students see design as a tool for change,” Tucker said. “That mindset is something they’ll carry into their careers, whatever their field.”
Learn more or propose a project
Are you working on your own socially driven design issue that you think might be a good fit for a transdisciplinary team of undergraduate students? Check out the DSI website and reach out for ways to get involved!
