2024 IDEA Showcase

What We Do

From beginner to advanced skill levels, UCSD DFA offers programs each year that teach students how to design for social good. Throughout these programs, students have the opportunity to collaborate directly with nonprofits and create meaningful impact.


We provide hands-on learning experiences where students can develop design skills and showcase their work through real-world projects.

To Be Designed

TBD is a 16-week user research and design consulting program where teams of 5–6 students partner with local nonprofits and small businesses to tackle real-world design challenges. Throughout, students work directly with stakeholders, applying and expanding their skills in a professional, client-facing environment.

Logo Design

Brand Strategy

Visual Identity

Brand Guidelines

Content Marketing

TBD is built on a two-fold mission: Create hands-on learning opportunities for students to grow their human-centered design skills. Provide pro-bono digital design solutions that empower nonprofits to focus on their advocacy work. Each TBD team is paired with a nonprofit partner and maintains consistent communication through a designated contact. Students are expected to share prototypes, ask questions, and seek feedback regularly to stay aligned with stakeholder needs. By the end of the program, you’ll develop a high-fidelity deliverable or implementation based on your partner’s goals, presenting it both to your stakeholder and to DFA during showcases. Along the way, you’ll participate in presentation checkpoints and feedback sessions, ensuring steady progress while sharpening your design skills.

Program Framework

Program Expectations

Application Process

Intro to Design Exploration & Action

This is a 10 week beginner friendly program designed to introduce students to fundamentals of human centered design. Through IDEA, you'll gain the skills and confidence to bring ideas to life while exploring how design can cause an impact.

Beginner

Fall Quarter

3-6 hr commitment

10 week lecture series

Program Framework

Program Expectations

Application Process

What We Teach

Graphic Design

User Research

Social Media Design

Branding Guides

Website Design

Community Partners

We’re proud to collaborate with a wide range of local nonprofits and small businesses to create real impact through design. Here are some from the past year!

Have a project idea or community issue you want us to tackle?

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@2025 DFA UCSD

Our Programs

DFA initiatives tackle real world challenges with design thinking. Check out our programs and work.

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