Dr. Mai Thi Nguyen &
Michèle Morris
The Design Lab
Meet Dr. Mai Thi Nguyen, Director, and Michèle Morris, Associate Director, of the UC San Diego Design Lab, founded in 2014 by Chancellor Pradeep Khosla and Don Norman. This innovative space is redefining how research, education, and community engagement come together to solve real-world challenges.
At the Design Lab, the focus is on humanity-centered design—examining how design impacts systems from healthcare to housing to climate.
Through applied projects, students,faculty, and design practitioners collaborate with the community, civic organizations, and industry to address pressing societal issues, creating innovative solutions that transform the world.
While the lab embraces cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking research, its true power lies in bringing together diverse talent—students, faculty, designers, community members, and regional leaders—to co-create solutions that reflect real human needs and experiences.
Discover how the Design Lab is designing alternative futures and shaping the forefront of design education and research.
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