join
Our community grows every quarter, and we would love to have you too! Together we can tackle innovative human-centered design projects and help each other become better UX thinkers. Below are different ways you can be involved in DI.
Our Structure
Design Fellows
Our Fellowship program is a community of UCD students passionate about design and human-centered problem-solving. Fellows will have access to the DI alumni network, a design challenge, and internal events.
Design Associates
These are mentored teams of experienced designers focused on solving exploratory, out-of-the-box problems or providing innovative solutions for their peers.
Design Fellows
Design Associates
Design Sprint
3 weeks
6 weeks
Time Commitment
2-3 hours per week
4-6 hours per week
Requirements
An interest in human-centered design / user experience and a passion to learn.
Significant knowledge of UX design shown through a portfolio. The portfolio can include UX case studies from internships, DES 112, or personal passion projects.
Quarters Offered
Fall, Winter, and Spring
Fall and Spring
Our General Sprint Process
Each DI project follows the industry’s standard structure. Our design process is split into six sprints: research, ideation, wire-frame iteration, testing, prototyping, and presenting. These projects range from redesign to exploratory themes and come with guidance from a mentor or board members.
Fall 2025 Recruitment Timeline
SAT, SEP 27TH | 10AM-2PM | DOWNTOWN
Coffee Chats
Get to know our board members, get advice on applications and more.
Cohort Applications Due
The Cohort application will be due at 11:59PM PT; submit through the application form.
MON, SEP 29TH | 7-8:00PM | WALKER 1320
Kickoff + Application Workshop
Come meet our community and learn more about all DI has to offer!
THURS, OCT 9TH | 11:59PM
Fellowship Applications Due
The Fellowship application will be due at 11:59PM PT; submit through the application form.
THU OCT 2ND | 6:30-7:30 PM | TLC 1218
We’re Not Really Strangers Social
Get to know fellow DI members and unwind with a fun card game!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Design Major?
Absolutely not! We take people of all majors — from Economics to Cognitive Science to Statistics! We give no preference to particular majors, as great design teams are built from diverse backgrounds.
I'm new to design/UX/product design. Should I still apply?
If you are just beginning your UX journey, we strongly encourage you to apply to our Fellowship where you'll have the opportunity to interact with other aspiring designers and access help & educational resources we've curated for you!
Am I required to attend Recruitment events to apply?
Attendance is not required to apply, but we still want to get to know you! Talking to a board member is a great networking opportunity and will help you better prepare your application.
What can I expect to learn by being a part of DI?
Whether you're a part of our Cohort or Fellowship, be ready to —
Practice the human-centered design method by being passionate about understanding the user's perspective when developing solutions to problems.
Pick up and practice different design techniques (ex. user research, usability testing) and tools (ex. Figma) critical to the field.
Work collaboratively in teams, balance opinions and reach agreement, and help support each other's growth.
FALL 2025
Recruitment