Interdisciplinary Community Engagement Programme

Innovation & Design Programme (iDP), CDE3301 Ideas to Proof-of-Concept, Designing for Community Wellbeing Studio

Under the iDP, we believe that meaningful innovation happens when students engage directly with communities to solve real-world challenges. Our community wellbeing studio integrates hands-on design thinking, user-centred research, and collaborative problem-solving with local and global communities. Students work alongside community partners to identify needs, prototype solutions, and create lasting impact. The Community Wellbeing Studio is a hands-on, project-based course where students work directly with community partners to design solutions that enhance wellbeing and quality of life. Through this studio, interdisciplinary teams collaborate with non-profit organisations, community groups, and social service agencies to identify challenges and co-create meaningful interventions that address real needs in Singapore's diverse communities. 

Objective 

• To develop students' competencies in human-centred design while creating tangible solutions that improve community wellbeing. Students learn to conduct empathetic research, engage meaningfully with stakeholders, and design interventions that are culturally sensitive, sustainable, and impactful. 

Goals 

• Apply design thinking methodologies to address authentic community wellbeing challenges 
• Develop empathy and cultural competence through sustained community engagement 
• Create functional prototypes or interventions that community partners can implement and sustain 
• Build collaborative skills through interdisciplinary teamwork and stakeholder partnerships 
• Foster a sense of social responsibility and understanding of complex social issues
• Gain practical experience in project management, user research, and iterative design processes 

How to Apply?

• Students need to take part in the CDE3301 Ideas to Proof-of-Concept project selection exercise, which happens towards the end of Semester 1 of each academic year (in October/November). The course is typically offered in Semester 2 and runs to the end of the following Semester 1 (January - November). Limited spots available – please write in to indicate your interest.
• Review course syllabus and community partners in November
• Students are matched with community partners based on their interests, the community partners' needs, and team composition requirements

Eligibility & Special Skills Requirements  

Who Can Apply: 

• Open to all NUS undergraduate students 
• Students from all faculties are welcome - interdisciplinary teams are highly valued
• No prior design or community engagement experience required 

Desired Skills/Attributes: 

• Essential: Open-mindedness, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives 
• Beneficial: Experience with qualitative research, CAD, prototyping, or community work