Design for Government 2023
About the course
Design for Government (DfG) is a 12 cr. practice-based course where every year students and stakeholders work together in a real contemporary national-level policy challenge. We work with commissioned projects from the Finnish ministries and the public authorities.During the 12 weeks (Period IV and V), students work in groups of four to address the given challenges by applying a design approach combing: human-centred, systems thinking and behavioural interventions. See the DfG Design approach and course structure below. There is contact teaching on Monday 27.02 and Monday 24.04 (9.15 - 12); and every Wednesday (9.15 - 16h) during Period IV and V.
Because the project work is conducted independently and in teamwork outside of contact teaching hours, we recommend students to have flexible schedules during this time and not to take big courses in parallel. The course is 12 ECTS. This equals approximately 320 total hours of work, or 27 hours per week, which is roughly 3.5 full working days per week. Tentative distribution of student workload below:
- 72h Contact teaching (lectures, group presentations, peer-to-peer learning)
- 71h Reflection time
- 43h Independent reading (selected articles, video lectures, group discussions)
- 90h Independent project work in teams
- 43h Project communication and final delivery (final presentation, blog, final report)
- 1h Course evaluation
Before you apply to the course make the necessary arrangements so that you can enjoy the course fully!.
For more information visit our Course Website
Apply for Design for Government 2023 (9 January - 13 February 2023)
In the Design for Government course, the right mix of students and individual motivations is crucial. Addressing complex challenges benefits from a variety of backgrounds, skills and disciplines, while critical thinking and creativity are important for developing new frontiers of design in the governmental sector. We, therefore, do not admit students on a first-come-first-serve basis but through the application process described below. Applications are reviewed and selected by the teaching team (the final responsibility lies with the course leader). Please note that there is a specific quota allocated to the course and that the following students are prioritised: CS Students (15), CoID Students (5), Other students (4).
Step 1. Register to Design for Government course on SISU
Please register via this link: https://sisu.aalto.fi/student/courseunit/aalto-CU-1150932307-20220801/brochure
Step 2. Reflect on the final presentation videos from DfG 2021 or 2022
Check out the project briefs from DfG 2021 and DfG 2022. Choose your favourite project brief and select one of the student proposals that you will find on the right of the page. Watch their video presentation and write a reflection about it (500 words max.): propose three points for further improvement or investigation and describe how your competencies could contribute. Reflections must be added on the application form, see below.
Step 3. Fill out the application form (The form will open on 9th January 2023)
Link to the application: https://forms.gle/6dd22QsBRqm5m3Ea7
Key dates
- Course application: 09 January until 13 February 2023
- Course lasts for 12 weeks
- Contact teaching will be on-site at Aalto University, Otaniemi Campus in Väre
- Contact teaching will happen on the first Monday of Period IV and V (9.15 - 12.00h); and every Wednesday (9.15 - 16.00h)
- Period IV:
- Week 1: Monday 27 February (9.15 - 12.00h), and Wednesday 1 March (9.15 - 16.00h)
- Week 2 - 6: Wednesdays (9.15 - 16.00h): 8 March, 15 March, 22 March, 29 March, and 5 April
- Period V
- Week 1: Monday 24 April (9.15 - 12.00h), and Wednesday 26 April (9.15 - 16.00h)
- Week 2 - 6: Wednesdays (9.15 - 16.00h): 3 May, 10 May, 17 May 24 May, and 31 May
For any further information please contact: nuria.solsona@aalto.fi