Annual themes

New for the 2026-2027 academic year

HCDE's annual theme provides a shared point of connection across research, teaching, events, partnerships, and storytelling. Each year, the theme can inspire programming and collaboration and help highlight related work across the department.

Throughout the year, HCDE will highlight work that supports communities, public institutions, civic participation, public health, accessibility, equitable access to technology, and other dimensions of public life.

Connections to the theme

• Public-facing technologies: Systems, tools, and services designed for broad public use, including civic platforms, public data tools, transportation systems, and healthcare technologies.
• Community and government partnerships: Work developed with public agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and civic initiatives.
• Research addressing public challenges: Research related to misinformation, public health, digital equity, climate and sustainability, accessibility, infrastructure, and other societal challenges.
• Design for public good: Human-centered approaches to government services, education systems, public information, and other services used by broad communities.
• Student work with public impact: Course projects, capstones, and other student work involving public-sector partners or societal challenges.
• Public scholarship and engagement: Work that connects HCDE research with policy, public discourse, and community practice.

Bringing the theme into HCDE

The annual theme can provide a starting point for programming, collaboration, teaching, research, and storytelling throughout the department. Connections to Public might include:

• Courses, assignments, and special topics
• Speakers, events, and community conversations
• Design jams and student activities
• Research projects and DRGs
• Project showcases and demonstrations
• Stories highlighting students, faculty, alumni, staff, and partners