A pedagogical framework and a transdisciplinary design approach to innovate HCI education

In the current work, we introduce Applab as a pedagogical framework and a transdisciplinary design approach to innovate HCI education. Students do not work for a client, but work together with urban stakeholders to better frame the problem in order to deal with societal challenges. In this way, Applab embraces design thinking as an approach to leverage a cross-disciplinary collaboration between research, government, industry, and HCI and design education. Results are described as well as lessons learnt. Consequently, the elaborate Applab model is discussed. Interestingly, the corresponding transdisciplinary design approach enabled a successful implementation of Applab into HCI education. Students learnt a lot, as did the urban stakeholders. The designed artefacts greatly leveraged their mind-shifting and meaningful learning experiences.