Active learning ideas
The Future of Human-Centric Engineering focuses on the ethical imperative to design for global well-being and social justice. Students explore the principles of inclusive design, ensuring products are accessible to people of all abilities, and how engineering can address global challenges like clean water and sustainable housing. This topic positions the student as an agent of positive change.
Activity 01
Groups take a common object or space (like the school canteen or a website) and evaluate it against the 7 Principles of Universal Design. They propose three specific engineering changes to make it more inclusive.
How can engineering help solve issues of global inequality?
Activity 02
Students are given a limited budget and local materials to design a low-cost water filtration system or solar cooker for a community in a developing nation, focusing on ease of repair and local sustainability.
What are the principles of inclusive and accessible design?
Activity 03
Students discuss in pairs what should be in a modern 'Hippocratic Oath' for engineers. They share their top three ethical commitments with the class.
What role will current students play in shaping future ethical innovations?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Inclusive design is only for people with disabilities.
Inclusive design (or Universal Design) makes products better for everyone, like how dropped kerbs help both wheelchair users and people with prams. Collaborative audits help students see the broad benefits of accessible engineering.
Engineering can't solve social problems like inequality.
While engineering alone isn't the answer, access to clean water, energy, and transport are fundamental to reducing inequality. Simulations of global engineering projects help students see their potential impact on social justice.
Methods used in this brief
Engineering Disasters and Lessons Learned
Review historical engineering failures to understand the critical importance of ethics, accountability, and safety standards.
8 methodologies
The Digital Revolution and Mechatronics
Examine the societal shifts caused by computing, automation, and the rise of mechatronic engineering.
8 methodologies
Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering
Highlight the historical contributions of underrepresented groups in engineering and the value of diverse perspectives in design.
8 methodologies