Central NJ Design Meetup

The Design Thinking, Innovation & Human-Centered AI Summer Program is a two-week immersive experience designed for individuals who want to tackle real-world challenges through creativity, collaboration, and emerging technologies.

Hosted at Rutgers University, a top U.S. public research institution, the program brings together individuals from around the world—including participants from India, China, South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, and more—to explore design thinking methodologies, human-centered innovation, and ethical applications of artificial intelligence.
No prior experience in design or AI is required—only curiosity, openness, and a willingness to experiment.

Hands-On Design Practice
Daily workshops from 10 am to 4:30 pm (excluding weekends) guide individuals through the full design thinking lifecycle:
empathize → define → ideate → prototype → test.
Human-Centered AI in Action
Participants explore how AI tools can support creativity, research, ideation, and storytelling—while critically examining bias, ethics, and trust.
Makerspace & Prototyping
Participants use the Rutgers Makerspace to build physical and digital prototypes, including rapid modeling and 3D printing.
Global Collaboration
Teams are intentionally diverse, bringing together students from different countries, cultures, and academic backgrounds.
Real-World Application
Projects are grounded in real challenges, encouraging practical, portfolio-ready outcomes.

This program is offered for continuing education or Rutgers credit (3 credits), but is also offered in non-credit formats.

Participants will complete the program with:
• A design-thinking project prototype or concept
• A process portfolio documenting empathy maps, journey maps, ideation artifacts, and prototype iterations
• Experience presenting ideas through storytelling and pitching
• A culminating project showcase, where teams present their final solutions to faculty, peers, and invited guests
• A Certificate of Completion from Rutgers University

For more information: https://mbs.rutgers.edu/summer-program
Contact: psmsummer@docs.rutgers.edu