Learn to tackle real-world challenges by working with real people on real problems.
Designing for Change is built for people who want more than lectures and exams — people who want experience working on problems that actually matter, with the people behind them.
Technical students are a primary audience — but anyone motivated to contribute to meaningful positive change is welcome.
- Engineering students who want their skills to help real people
- Students from other technical and scientific fields
- Students and young professionals interested in creating positive impact
- Future project leaders, founders, and changemakers
- People drawn to innovation and human-centered problem solving
- People who want to take responsibility instead of waiting for others to act
This program might be for you if…
- →You want more than lectures and exams.
- →You are curious about real-world challenges and the people behind them.
- →You enjoy working with others and learning through action.
- →You want to take initiative and contribute to positive change.
This program is probably not for you if…
- ·You are looking for a passive learning experience.
- ·You prefer clear answers over exploring uncertain challenges.
- ·You would rather leave difficult problems for others to solve.
During the program you will:
- 01Meet and learn from real stakeholders
- 02Explore a real-world challenge with no obvious answer
- 03Conduct interviews and conversations in the field
- 04Identify the real needs and the real opportunities behind them
- 05Work in interdisciplinary teams
- 06Generate, test and refine ideas with the people they are meant to help
- 07Develop practical concepts grounded in what you have learned
- 08Present your work and receive direct feedback
- 09Reflect on what changed in you and what you carry forward
Practical capabilities, not abstract concepts. The kind of growth that compounds across the rest of your career.
- 01Experience working on a real-world challenge from start to finish
- 02Stakeholder interview and conversation skills
- 03Teamwork and collaboration across disciplines
- 04Clearer, more confident communication
- 05The ability to frame problems before jumping to solutions
- 06Greater confidence in uncertain situations
- 07Experience presenting ideas to people who actually care about the answer
- 08A deeper understanding of human-centered approaches
- 09A stronger sense of your own strengths
- 10The ability to understand stakeholder needs and translate them into meaningful action
- 11The skill of seeing opportunities where others only see problems
- 12Experience balancing technical feasibility with what people actually need
- 13A first-hand understanding of how impact is created when solutions are designed with people, not just for them
Real challenges
Not a case study. A challenge a real organization is genuinely trying to figure out, with real consequences.
Real people
Time with the people the work is meant to serve. Their lives are not a brief — they are the brief.
Real support
Facilitators who have done this kind of work and hold the structure that lets you do your best thinking.
Real growth
Capabilities and self-knowledge you cannot get from a lecture — and that stay with you long after the program ends.
Do I need to be an engineer?+
An engineering or technical background is a strong fit, but not the only one. We welcome people from adjacent fields who can contribute to and benefit from this kind of work.
How much does it cost?+
Cost depends on the program, partners, and any scholarships in place. We are committed to keeping access as wide as possible and will be transparent about pricing as each cohort is finalized.
Where will it take place?+
The first pilot is being developed in Germany. Future cohorts may take place elsewhere, depending on the partners and challenges involved.
How long is the program?+
Programs are designed as intensive, immersive experiences — long enough to genuinely engage with the context, short enough to fit alongside your studies or career.
Can I apply now?+
Applications are not yet open. The best way to be the first to know is to join the interest list below.
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