In this three-week online course at the Sanford School of Public Policy, work with Prof. Joseph Sherlock to explore the principles and practical applications of human-centered design. Learn tools and techniques to solve problems by focusing on the people who matter most—your users. Through hands-on case studies and collaborative projects with fellow participants, you'll gain the skills to transform ideas into meaningful, impactful outcomes.
About the Program
In this online course, dive into the world of human-centered design (HCD) to understand concepts and applications. Collaborate with fellow program participants on hands-on case studies and projects. Walk away with tools to applicable to real world solutions.
Program Topics
- Introduction to HCD Principles and Processes
- Conducting Field Research
- Behavioral Mapping and Barriers
- Synthesizing Insights
- Case Study: Municipal Food Waste Collection
- Prototyping Basics
- Usability Testing & Iteration
- Scaling & Delivering Solutions
- Final Presentations & Reflection
Session Format
- 9 Live Online Sessions via Zoom (M,W,F from 9-11:30am US EST)
- Session Length: 2.5 hours
- Total Contact Hours: 22.5
The tuition rate for this program is $1,500. Applicants who are accepted by August 4th will receive a 25% priority registration pricing. Special alumni and partner pricing is available upon request. For more information, please email us.
Note: This course is part of the Behavioral Design Expert Certification. This certification provides participants with a dual certificate in HCD and BE. The cost for enrolling in this certification is $3,000 ($1,000 in savings).
This program is ideal for professionals wanting to learn how to integrate behavioral economics principles and methods into their policy work.
Past program participants include the following:
- Program and project managers from the public and non-profit sectors
- Researchers from think tanks and academic institutions
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning specialists
- Communications, public relations, and donor campaign specialists
- Policy advocacy professionals
Program Information
Program Dates:
September 14 - October 2, 2026 (M,W,F from 9-11:30am US EST)
Priority Registration Deadline:
August 4, 2026 (for priority pricing)
Registration Deadline:
September 7, 2026
Location:
Online via Zoom
Questions?
Email the Executive Education Team at sanfordexeced@duke.edu.
More Courses:
Interested in similar courses? Check out our Behavioral Design Expert Certification or Behavioral Economics & Behavioral Science program.
Meet the Program Director
Joseph Sherlock is a Lecturer at the School for Government at King’s College London. His PhD is from the London School of Economics, focused on applying behavioural science to strengthen democracy. Driven by a passion for evidence-based and evidence-generating innovation, his work generally centers on leveraging behavioural science to advance democracy and sustainability, as well as the science of behavioural science.
Joseph also serves as a Behavioural Science Fellow in the United Nations Secretary-General’s Office. Previously, he was a Principal Behavioral Scientist at Duke University, where he led a team dedicated to fostering innovation in civic society through behavioral science. He also held the role of Principal Behavioural Researcher at HM Revenue & Customs, contributing to public sector innovation and policy development.