Equipping the next generation of community-focused innovators.

  • HCW support neighborhood-based organizations improving the public health of those hit first and hardest by climate change?
  • HCW redesign the pediatric emergency waiting room to increase comfort for families and children?
  • HCW educate uninformed college students on political issues to motivate them to vote?
  • HCW teach girls how to use CS as a tool that can help them succeed in any career path?
  • HCW encourage small business owners in Cleveland to start plastic film recycling?
  • HCW improve municipal court accessibility to reduce the number of municipal warrants given in St Louis?
  • HCW facilitate long-term access to high quality menstrual products for those who need it on the Rice University campus?
DFA students smiling with DFA-branded cut-outs
DFA students on a subway platform researching public transit access for people with low vision
Hand-drawn paper prototypes and storyboards
Five smiling DFA interns holding a DFA logo cut-out
Two DFA students discussing ideas in a makerspace
Poster of all the DFA studio flags posted on an office desk
Panel of four DFA alumni and founder Liz Gerber at a speaking event
Hundreds of DFA students smiling and jumping in the air together

  • Vision & Values

    Align with inclusive, community-centered principles.

    Align with our values

  • Design Process

    Practice empathetic, daring, and collaborative problem-solving.

    See our process

  • Global Network

    Join a global network of students, educators, and professionals using design for social good.

    See our network

  • Lasting Impact

    Address interdisciplinary challenges while sharpening systems thinking skills.

    See our impact
Headshot of DFA Alumni Hannah Hudson smiling

“DFA embraced me as an interdisciplinary thinker, and turned me into an engaged problem solver. DFA gave me experience I couldn’t get in the classroom, and gave me the experience that helped launch a design career.”

— Hannah Hudson, DFA NU Alum

Our Studios

 
 

Support DFA Today

Supporting DFA…

• Creates a future of more daring and collaborative leaders

• Brings DFA to more—and more diverse—college campuses

• Helps students navigate careers in design and adjacent fields

• Connects DFA alum to new opportunities

• Broadens DFA's reach and impact

• Helps spread can-do optimism

Our Partners

We’re grateful to our partners for bringing opportunity, mentorship, and daring vision to the DFA Network.

  • Chrysler
  • McCormick Northwestern Engineering
  • Bank of America logo
  • Steelcase logo
  • IBM logo
  • Adobe logo
  • Oxo logo
  • The YMCA logo
  • Unilever logo

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