Program Overview
Design Thinking Minor
Overview
The Design Thinking minor helps you follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Divine Creator, by developing your ability to create and solve problems to bless others (see Moses 3:5). Its interdisciplinary nature emphasizes the value of approaching challenges from multiple perspectives, encouraging you to seek "the light which is in all things" (see D&C 88:13). This minor is interdisciplinary by offering courses from various departments to enhance creativity, strengthen problem-solving skills, and develop highly sought-after professional capabilities.
As a student in the Design Thinking minor, you will:
- Learn human-centered design principles.
- Apply the Design Thinking framework to solve complex problems.
- Learn from and collaborate with faculty and peers across disciplines.
- Develop key design skills.
- Leverage technology to improve lives.
Through this program, you will refine your creative and analytical abilities, draw closer to Heavenly Father, contribute to a better world, and build a stronger connection with Jesus Christ—the Creator of the heavens and the earth (see John 1:3).
Requirements
Detailed Course List and Availability
Design Thinking Foundations (1 credit)
- Complete an innovation bootcamp on design thinking in technology and engineering.
Design Thinking Practices (9 credits)
- Select from courses in ethnographic research, social innovation, UX design, and human-centered experience design.
Design Thinking Tools (3 credits)
- Complete one course in web development, photography, coding, video production, or prototyping.
Design Thinking Capstone Project (3 credits)
- Engage in a collaborative, real-world design project in UX, education, or social innovation.
Nine (9) credit hours must be taken outside of the student's primary major.
Minimum Credit Hours: 15 Maximum Credit Hours: 18
How To Declare
Go to your major’s academic advisement center to add design thinking as a minor. For more information, visit the Education Advisement Center or contact Dr. Stephanie Allen Egbert, the Program Coordinator. You can reach her at stephanie.allen@byu.edu and 801-422-5288, or schedule an appointment with her at stephanieallen.youcanbookme.com.
Sponsoring Departments
Instructional Psychology and Technology Department
Department of Design
Department of Experience Design and Management
School of Technology
See What Projects Design Thinking Students are Working On
Design Thinking — Collections — The BYU Design Review
Explore how Design Thinking students solve real-world challenges through packaging, product, and service design. This magazine features brief editorials, interviews, reviews, and insights on design techniques.
BYU Students Use Design Thinking to Solve Real-World Problems
From startup incubators to legal innovation labs, see how Design Thinking students tackled complex challenges, built solutions, and gained hands-on experience that prepared them to make a real impact.
ForGOT Milk? BYU students address drop in dairy milk drinking with 'legen-dairy' packaging designs
Dive into how Design Thinking students stepped in to redesign milk packaging to make dairy cool again. From edible milk pods to refillable glass jugs, this article highlights design-thinking-centered innovations.
BYU engineers, Toyota partner to create ‘new standard in automotive manufacturing’
This article shows how BYU engineers partnered with Toyota to create a greener, stronger, and more efficient welding method—proving that Design Thinking students can drive innovation in even the most technical fields.
Testimonials
“The Design Thinking minor was instrumental in preparing me for the BYU IP&T master's program and my dream job as an instructional designer. More importantly, it has empowered me to serve others in more meaningful and creative ways. I've brought joy to friends and family through photography, planned ward activities that are both impactful and fun, and designed spaces that are warm, welcoming, and filled with the Spirit.”
Natalie, Master's in Instructional Psychology & Technology
The design thinking process helps people develop effective solutions to wicked problems. Without design thinking, many complex issues in the world would go unsolved. Plus, design thinking helps you think about the world differently!
Cody, Experience Design & Management Major
I have loved my experience in the Design Thinking Minor. The classes I have been able to take are different from anything I have experienced as a teaching major. They have challenged me and helped me to feel more confident going into any professional workspace.
Paige, Social Science Teaching Major
The Design Thinking minor has enriched my time at BYU by providing design instruction that extends beyond what is traditionally offered in my major. I have learned the fundamentals of the design process and applied them to disciplines that align with my interests, including web design and instructional design. I that also provided a starting point for acquiring skills that lie outside my major field of study but are nonetheless valuable. I would recommend this minor to anyone seeking to further their understanding of lateral thinking and iterative design.
Ezra, Computer Science Major
