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6-week course
Social Studies
DESIGN 259: Inventing the Future
Adapted from Design 259 at Stanford University and taught by Stanford University Design 259 Teaching Assistant - Learn how to predict and invent the future through design thinking frameworks and critical analysis of frontier technologies.
Group size
2-6 students
Outcome
Utopian and dystopian scenario presentations with critique and debate on future technologies
Tuition
$495
Enrollment
Cohorts for the 2026–2027 school year haven't been scheduled yet. Join the waitlist and you'll be the first to know when new dates are released.
Course Details
DESIGN 259: Inventing the Future
Adapted from Design 259 at Stanford University and taught by Stanford University Design 259 Teaching Assistant, this highly interactive course explores how to predict and invent the future through design thinking frameworks applied to emerging technologies. As computer scientist Alan Kay once said, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." Students will examine frontier technologies including robotics, AI, genomics, autonomous vehicles, blockchain, 3D printing, VR/AR, and synthetic meat, learning to envision both positive and negative future scenarios.
Week by week curriculum
Week 1
Introduction to Futures Thinking: Students will explore fundamental concepts of future prediction and invention, learning design thinking methodologies and examining historical examples of technological transformation.
Week 2
Frontier Technologies Overview: This session introduces students to cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and genomics, analyzing their current state and potential future developments using design thinking frameworks.
Week 3
Design Thinking for Innovation: Students will apply design thinking methodologies to envision future applications of emerging technologies, learning to think systematically about technological impact and human needs.
Week 4
Scenario Development: This week focuses on creating detailed utopian and dystopian scenarios for chosen technologies, examining potential benefits and risks while applying futures thinking frameworks.
Week 5
Critique and Debate Preparation: Students will prepare presentations of their future scenarios and learn to engage in constructive critique and debate about technological consequences and societal implications.
Week 6
Final Presentations and Debates: Students will present their utopian and dystopian scenarios, engage in structured debates, and collaborate on strategies to maximize benefits while mitigating negative consequences of future technologies.
Adapted from Design 259 at Stanford University and taught by Stanford University Design 259 Teaching Assistant, this highly interactive course explores how to predict and invent the future through design thinking frameworks applied to emerging technologies. As computer scientist Alan Kay once said, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." Students will examine frontier technologies including robotics, AI, genomics, autonomous vehicles, blockchain, 3D printing, VR/AR, and synthetic meat, learning to envision both positive and negative future scenarios.
Week by week curriculum
Week 1
Introduction to Futures Thinking: Students will explore fundamental concepts of future prediction and invention, learning design thinking methodologies and examining historical examples of technological transformation.
Week 2
Frontier Technologies Overview: This session introduces students to cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and genomics, analyzing their current state and potential future developments using design thinking frameworks.
Week 3
Design Thinking for Innovation: Students will apply design thinking methodologies to envision future applications of emerging technologies, learning to think systematically about technological impact and human needs.
Week 4
Scenario Development: This week focuses on creating detailed utopian and dystopian scenarios for chosen technologies, examining potential benefits and risks while applying futures thinking frameworks.
Week 5
Critique and Debate Preparation: Students will prepare presentations of their future scenarios and learn to engage in constructive critique and debate about technological consequences and societal implications.
Week 6
Final Presentations and Debates: Students will present their utopian and dystopian scenarios, engage in structured debates, and collaborate on strategies to maximize benefits while mitigating negative consequences of future technologies.
Instructor Bio
Hi, I'm Colin! I grew up in Durham, North Carolina and Palo Alto, California before receiving my BS in Bioengineering and MS in Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University. I've worked at Stanford Medical School conducting cancer research and later worked at a neurotech startup building their software suite. Now I spend most of my time building YourEDU. In my free time, I enjoy sports, exploring the outdoors, and discovering great food while staying active.