Autumn 2026
Rethinking Economics from the Perspective of People First
The DRG is designed as an interdisciplinary reading and discussion group, not a technical economics seminar. Vishnu’s current dissertation work examines how HCDE can engage with economic questions, especially around tariffs, human capital, and lived impacts of policy. Students do not need formal economics training; the goal is to collectively interpret, question, and humanize economic ideas. Economics often uses mathematical models and quantitative indicators to explain social systems. In this DRG however, we will ask how those models connect—or fail to connect—to lived human experience. Here, we explore the ways in which economic policies, models, and indicators shape everyday life. We will ask how HCDE perspectives can help us understand not only what economic systems measure, but also what they miss. Rather than asking only whether an economic policy “works” in aggregate, we will ask: for whom, under what conditions, at what cost, and according to whose measures? We will treat economic models and indicators as designed ways of seeing the world: powerful, partial, and open to human-centered critique.
Over the quarter, we will read and discuss approximately six papers at the intersection of economics, human-centered design, policy, sociology, STS, and related fields. Some readings will be selected by the instructor to support ongoing dissertation work on the human side of economics; others will be chosen collaboratively by the group based on participants’ interests. Possible topics include tariffs and everyday consumers, human capital, consumer confidence, labor and work, inequality, infrastructure, and how economic indicators do—or do not—capture lived experience. No prior economics background is required. Students should bring curiosity, willingness to read across disciplines, and interest in asking how economic systems affect people. This DRG is especially well suited for students interested in human-centered research, policy, social impacts of technology, design justice, public interest technology, or interdisciplinary research methods.
This DRG will be led by Vishnupriya (Vishnu), HCDE PhD student, under the supervision of Dr. Beth Kolko. The group will meet weekly for discussion.
Enrollment information
- Meeting time: Mondays, 2:30 - 4 p.m.
- Credits: 2
- Who should apply: Students who are willing to read, think, and discuss.
- To apply: Complete this google form.
- Application deadline: September 20, 2026, at 5 p.m.
- Anticipated notification date: September 25, 2026
- Questions? Contact Vishnu at vishnura@uw.edu
Autumn 2026
New Directed Research Group opportunity: Build an Unexpected Company
If you’re a founder, or want to be a founder, or have considered becoming a founder, this is for you. Come join the group at Unexpected Venture for 10 weeks of intense building and discover where the journey takes you. Apply to build an Unexpected Company here.
Run by three experienced founders (Omri Mor, Steve Krenzel, and HCDE Professor Beth Kolko), this Directed Research Group will be a “doing” group. Basically, an incubator. It doesn't matter what department you're in. You’ll be able to sign up for credits if you need/want (HCDE 496 or HCDE 596), but it’s not required. This is for anyone who wants to build — no prior founding experience, technical background, or specific coursework required. If you’ve got an idea and a team, great. If you have more than one idea and no team and no idea which idea to pursue, also great. If you have a team but no idea, also great.
Apply here, and for those selected, you’ll meet with the team and other founders every Monday from 4 - 6 p.m. You’ll hear from speakers, you’ll have office hours with Omri, Steve, and Beth, and you’ll learn from watching your peers build.
By the end of ten weeks, if you’re ready we’ll put you in front of investors, and if not, we’ll keep working with you until you are. And if you decide founding isn’t for you, that’s ok, too. Just come curious and willing to work.
Dr. Kolko's research group archive