HCDE 2026–2030 Strategic Plan

Leading from the intersection

The University of Washington's Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering is advancing a five-year plan to strengthen our impact in education, research, culture, and organizational resilience.

HCDE has long worked at the intersection of human experience, technology, and social responsibility. This strategic plan sets a clear direction for how we will deepen that work from 2026 through 2030 — preparing students for lasting impact, producing research that addresses real societal needs, cultivating an intellectually vibrant community, and strengthening the foundation that makes all of it possible.

Why this plan, why now

We are living through a moment of rapid technological change, shifting workforce expectations, and growing pressure on higher education. Artificial intelligence is reshaping how people learn and work. Public universities are navigating financial and political constraints. Across fields, there is a stronger need than ever for human-centered thinking, ethical practice, and approaches that are grounded in equity and public good.

HCDE is well-positioned to lead in this moment. Our cross-disciplinary expertise, our commitment to collaboration, and our deep understanding of how people, systems, and technologies shape one another give us a powerful role to play — within UW, across the region, and beyond.

This plan focuses our attention on the areas where HCDE can make the greatest difference. The plan is designed to guide decisions, support shared leadership, and evolve over time as we track progress and respond to what we learn.

Our 2030 vision

In 2030, the UW Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering is a recognized and trusted leader in human-centered innovation and a vital contributor to the state and region.

We're preparing students for lasting impact, producing research that shapes the field and addresses real societal needs, cultivating a community where cross-disciplinary thinking thrives, and strengthening the departmental foundation that makes this work possible. We ground our actions in robust, reciprocal partnerships and a strong commitment to our values.

The four pillars of the plan

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Acknowledgements

Thank you to HCDE’s stakeholders and community members whose input shaped and strengthened this strategic plan, and who hold us accountable to our mission:

• HCDE student body across bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and certificate programs
• Undergraduate Student Association and Graduate Student Association representatives
• HCDE committees and departmental leadership
• HCDE External Advisory Board
• HCDE alumni
• Community partners and project sponsors
• College of Engineering leadership

Thank you to the team of HCDE faculty and staff who contributed their time and wisdom to this plan’s development as part of the Strategic Planning Committee: Alan Marks; Kathleen Rascon; Katya Cherukumilli; Leah Pistorius; Linda Wagner; Mark Haselkorn; Sean Munson; Shana Hirsch; Tyler Fox.

The strategic planning process was guided by Izzy Zucker (Conduit Coaching) and Miriame Cherbib (Speaking Justice).