51-750 Personal Design Futures

5 units, Carnegie Mellon University

Going on a lifelong journey without a plan or map isn't easy. In the "Personal Design Futures" mini-course, students take on the most critical design project: their own life. Students explore who they are, where they come from, and where they hope to go. They describe their core values, what makes their life meaningful, and whom they wish to become in possible futures. While life choices are personal, we use time-tested methods to explore potential futures. We explore how your futures connect to the larger context from three perspectives: (1) Bill Burnett and Dave Evans approach to "Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life"; (2) Verne Wheelwright's person futures approach "It's YOUR Future...: Make it a Good One!", (3) sustainable and inner development goals. By the end of the mini-course, each student will have planned their future. They will be able to explain what matters to them and have charted paths forward. Most importantly, they will know how to rechart their life plans as unexpected events require them to adapt. This course pairs well with 51.751 Coffee Design Futures.

Prerequisites: none listed

Offered: Spring 2026, Fall 2025

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