Authors: Sue Morrison, Jacqui Jackson  

Most students study a degree once, possibly twice, in their lifetime. Students have a range of expectations about their university experience. They may be motivated by passion for a subject, unlocking career opportunities, meeting new people, expanding horizons, making a difference to the world around them, or a natural next step after school or college. Whatever their motivation and intentions, going to university is a big step with potentially lifelong consequences. Universities have a responsibility to provide opportunities and experiences which meet, and ideally exceed, expectations. The more we consciously design curriculum, services and opportunities with a student-centred approach, the less is left to chance in the experience and outcomes for students. So, how do we design to meet the needs of students, now and in the future? We live in a complex and changing world, the expectations of students entering university evolve and every student has their own, unique experiences and goals. How do we shift from rhetoric and assumption to adopt an evidence-informed, empathetic approach to design?    

Student-centred design requires understanding of the expectations, feelings and motivations of students and the impact of their diverse lived experience on their learning. This book takes the reader though the research underpinning an evidence-based approach to human-centred design and forms an accessible and informative introduction to student-centred, inclusive, education design. It is valuable for policy and practice, curriculum, and service development.   

Sue Morrison, Programme Director for Curriculum Nottingham at the University of Nottingham  

As a business owner and Honorary Teaching Fellow who fully embraces the opportunities Human-Centred Design can bring, for me this book represents an exciting leap in reshaping Higher Education. In the world of academia, where student and staff experiences drive success, this book emerges as a real catalyst for change which can ultimately help drive business forward.  

Human-centred design isn’t just a methodology; it’s a requisite tool in both Business and Higher Education and is the conduit that aligns institutions with the evolving needs, aspirations, and challenges faced by learners and educators. 

This isn’t merely theoretical jargon. This book is a practical handbook, illustrating how human-centred design principles can overhaul services, curriculum design, and the overall educational experience. Its relevance extends beyond educators and managers; it’s invaluable for anyone invested in Higher Education – from tutors, advisors, and administrators to the very students they serve.  

By advocating for a human-centred approach, this book empowers us to create learning environments that nurture creativity, inclusivity, and innovation. It’s about not just adapting to change but actively driving it. 

Jacqui Jackson, Director, Thomas Jardine & Co