School of Design
SI0801
i-Empathy: Exploring User Perspectives
Non-credit-bearing
This subject introduces students to the role of empathy in the design process. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and hands-on activities, students will explore how understanding users' emotions, needs, and contexts can lead to more human-centered and meaningful design solutions.
To cultivate an empathetic mindset in students and equip them with tools to observe, listen, and design with compassion. Students will learn to apply empathy as a core principle in the early stages of the design process.
Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
- Define empathy and its role in the design process
- Apply empathy-based research methods and observation
- Translate user insights into design opportunities
- Develop and present low-fidelity prototypes that respond to user needs
- Reflect on ethical and inclusive design practices
English
Face-to-face
10 hours
| Date | Time | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Aug 2026 (Monday) | 10:30 am - 12:00 nn |
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| 3 Aug 2026 (Monday) | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
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| 4 Aug 2026 (Tuesday) | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
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| 5 Aug 2026 (Wednesday) | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
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| 6 Aug 2026 (Thursday) | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
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| 7 Aug 2026 (Friday) | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm |
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- Empathy Field Notes (20%)
Students document observations, user quotes, and personal reflections from fieldwork and class activities. - Group Prototype & Final Presentation (50%)
Teams present a low-fidelity prototype based on user insights, demonstrating empathy-driven design thinking. - In-Class Participation & Peer Feedback (30%)
Active involvement in discussions, workshops, and providing constructive feedback to peers.
80%
(In-class exercises/ assignments and attendance will be taken into consideration to the final grades. Students are strongly advised to attend all classes.)
(In-class exercises/ assignments and attendance will be taken into consideration to the final grades. Students are strongly advised to attend all classes.)
