Integrated Innovation for Large Scale Problems
49-759 (Since 2017)

This is a studio course for students whose career or interest may require them to work with large and complex problems, also known wicked problems. It helps them understand the motivations of stakeholders and enables a deep understanding of the system, so that they can deliver solutions which ensure cooperation of such stakeholders. We address concerns such as a problem being too hard, too big, or too complex to tackle.

The course brings together concepts from design thinking and future studies to equip students with tools, techniques, and a mindset for intense problem exploration. The goal is to visualize unexpected solutions that make a meaningful difference. By analyzing the problem methodically, students develop three distinct artifacts - (i) the vision of a powerful long-term solution, (ii) a validated plan to arrive at that vision, and (iii) a meaningful starting point with immediate impact.

We use a social problem as the vehicle for learning, but make relevant analogies to situations in the workplace.

This is not a technical course, and will NOT involve any software/hardware architecture, system design, programming, or any application of AI/ML.

Example Problems

Students explored the following problems in previous years.

  • 2024 - TBD
  • 2023 - Impact of Advances in Technology on Inclusive Growth
  • 2022 - Abortion Rights
  • 2021 - Political Polarization in the US
  • 2020 - Accessible and Affordable Healthcare
  • 2019 - Income and Equity Gap
  • 2018 - Financial Abuse of Elders
  • 2017 - Tackling HIV in the US

Registration

This course is available for in-person attendance only. There is no remote section. Follow these steps to register for the course.

  1. Read the rest of this page and all linked documents.
  2. Attend information session on Friday, April 19 at 11:00 am. If you missed this, look for slides in the downloads section below.
  3. Incoming MSSM students only - Submit your elective choice on the Orientation Canvas Site
  4. All other students - Register for the course in SIO. Though space may be available, all students are automatically placed on the waitlist.
  5. Fill out the course registration request form. Make sure you are logged in to Google with your Andrew account and click here.
  6. Wait for the instructor to respond to your registration request.

The course is limited to 20 students. MSSM students are given priority and cleared in order of form submission within 2 weeks. Non‑MSSM students will be cleared after August 1 based on space availability.

Important

The topics that we cover in this class are often difficult, not just intellectually but emotionally as well. While I expect there to be rigorous discussion and even disagreement in the course of our class discussions, I ask that you engage in discussion with care and empathy for the other members in the classroom. Aim to disagree without becoming disagreeable. In this class we will not shy away from the uncomfortable. Critically examining and assessing our most basic assumptions and values is not just one of the tasks of philosophy but is an activity vital to living an authentic life. I urge you to have the courage to be uncomfortable in this class. In exchange for your courage, I will work to ensure a classroom environment that supports you taking these intellectual and emotional risks.

Downloads

All downloads require Andrew login. Files are subject to change and latest versions are available on course Canvas pages.