Teaching Faculty in Human-Centered Design Fundamentals

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Design Studies Department in the School of Human Ecology (SoHE) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invites applications for an open-rank, renewable, non-tenure-track Teaching Faculty position. Rank will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s professional and teaching experience. The position carries no research expectations and typically involves teaching four courses per semester (12 credits per semester; 24 credits annually). The successful candidate will teach foundational 2D design courses and contribute to the broad human-centered design curriculum. Depending on the candidate’s professional expertise, these courses may include design thinking fundamentals as well as more advanced offerings drawing from professional practices such as service design, experience design, exhibition and museum design, brand experience design, environmental graphic and wayfinding design, strategic design, systems-oriented design, or related forms of human-centered design practice. Responsibilities include developing and teaching undergraduate courses; preparing syllabi, learning objectives, and instructional materials; creating and assessing student assignments and projects; maintaining office hours; and supporting student learning and success. The successful candidate will bring both university-level teaching and professional design experience to inform applied design education. The successful candidates will be expected to maintain and continuously improve teaching effectiveness and remain flexible in meeting evolving departmental and program needs. Additional summer teaching opportunities, with separate compensation, may be available.

Requirements

• Previous teaching experience or transferable professional experience, with demonstrated potential to excel in higher education
• Professional experience in art, design, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of human-centered design processes
• Strong visual communication and 2D design skills
• Experience facilitating critique, co-design, workshops, or other collaborative design activities
• Ability to communicate design concepts, processes, and rationale effectively to diverse audiences
• Familiarity with contemporary digital design tools and professional workflows
• Evidence of creativity, innovation, sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism
• Ability to work effectively and collegially within a diverse academic community
• A master’s degree in design or a closely related field is required. Relevant fields may include graphic or communication design, service design, interaction or experience design, architecture, or art.

Nice To Haves

• University-level studio or design teaching experience
• Professional experience in one or more areas of human-centered design practice, such as communication design, service design, experience design, exhibition or museum design, environmental graphic design, brand experience design, or related fields

Responsibilities

• Supervises the day to day activities of work unit employees involved in instructional support as needed
• Develops teaching techniques that enhance course effectiveness in alignment with desired outcomes and established strategy
• Assists in defining the objectives of the program and plays a major role in carrying out program duties
• Assists in developing techniques and/or model programs for carrying out instructional goals in disciplinary area and may help identify ways in which new techniques could be of assistance
• Design career development initiatives to help students with internships and career readiness
• Develop relationships with community and industry partners to build a network of employers and other stakeholders to facilitate career opportunities for students and build the reputation of the program
• Assesses learner performance and prepares reports recommending instructional improvements
• Provides classroom, online and/or laboratory instruction, including grading

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• Tax-advantaged savings accounts
• Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level