This seminar style course will consider multi-cultural dimensions of product and system design. Each week, students will explore the current literature on the influences of culture with respect to understanding user needs and expectations in the design, implementation and use of a wide range of products and systems across different industries (e.g., healthcare, transportation, military, and consumer products). Culture will be interpreted broadly to include international elements as well as many of the cultural influences within the U.S. population. Additionally, we will explore cross-cultural elements of co-design, collaboration and manufacturing. Opportunities to participate in co-design activities with students and designers from outside of the U.S. will be pursued. Weekly readings, discussions, in-class activities and a semester-long design activity will be included.

This is an online/virtual synchronous course that follows the published schedule of course meetings and requires attendance at all sessions. Tufts virtual courses are designed to provide high-quality, flexible, and interactive courses to Tufts and visiting students. For more information about virtual course policies and expectations, please visit https://it.tufts.edu/learning-remotely

Basic Enrollment Requirements: None.

Refund Policy: The refund policy for Courses at Tufts offerings is dependent on the offering type: whether the offering is a course, workshop or short course, or in-demand offering. Please refer to the section details to confirm the type of offering as well as any exceptions to the standard refund policy. The refund policies for each offering type are viewable here: https://universitycollege.tufts.edu/policies/refunds#Courses-at-Tufts-(Academic-Year--Summer-Session)

Remission Eligible: Yes; first day of term; all university policies apply.