A Human-Centered Design Approach to Interdisciplinary Training on Homelessness

This study examines whether human-centered design may be a useful approach for training interdisciplinary teams to innovatively address homelessness. This case study examines the implementation of a 10-week graduate seminar in which students worked with youths experiencing homelessness to develop solutions to building social connections. The study explored benefits to students and to the community partner using pre- and postcourse surveys, focus groups, journals, and field observations. Findings reveal changes in student knowledge and attitudes related to homelessness, interdisciplinary work, and personal citizenship. Community members indicated the course created opportunities for their voices to be heard in developing human-centered solutions. The article concludes with a description of the challenges experienced during the course and approaches for overcoming these challenges.