Engineering design and communication: jump-starting the engineering curriculum

Abstract

A new course for Northwestern University's engineering freshmen - Engineering Design and Communication or EDC - is noteworthy for its emphasis on the user-centered nature of design and its thorough integration of design and communication. Team-taught by faculty from two schools, EDC creates a new model for integrating core courses in engineering and liberal arts, combining content and pedagogy from two different fields, and building a new program and culture of design at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science.