UXVSDesign Thinking : Foundations

UX100 VS1:
Design Thinking I:
Foundations (Spring 2026)

Faculty/Academic Area: Faculty of Liberal Arts

Department: User Experience Design

Campus: Other

Employee Group: WLUFA

Requisition : 10658

UX100 VS1:
Design Thinking I:
Foundations

Spring 2026 (April 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026)

Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am – 12:50pm

Virtual Synchronous

100

None

Wednesday February 18, 2026

Wednesday February 25, 2026

This course is an introduction to the theories and methods that underpin design thinking and practice. UX100 introduces the design process, visual analysis, design theories, universal design, and the socio-cultural implications of design. Students investigate the interactions between humans and their natural, social, and designed environments where purposeful design helps determine the quality of those interactions. Students will learn how design outcomes, whether successes or failures, shape and are shaped by socio/cultural and historical factors.

Students of design thinking will learn to critically assess the processes, outcomes and effects of design engagement. During the course, students will have opportunities to test and explore the concepts of design thinking through small-group, hands‑on participation in design projects.

Master’s Degree

• PhD with emphasis in User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, Interaction Design, Design or equivalent is preferred
• Teaching experience at the college or university level or experience providing training in UX or equivalent is required
• Professional experience in UX or equivalent is required
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the classroom is preferred

Wednesday February 25, 2026

Required for All Applicants

• CV with current contact information (required)
• Names and Contact Information for Referees
• Evidence of Good Teaching/Official Course Evaluations

Optional

• Teaching Dossier
• Sample Course Outline (2-pages maximum)

Candidates are strongly encouraged to provide a Cover Letter and Teaching Dossier. Applicants will be required to submit proof of academic credentials for highest degree prior to being awarded a contract. It is highly recommended that applicants include this verification with their application. Applications not containing verification of highest degree, unless already on file with the university, will not be considered.

Applications may be addressed to:

Dr. Geoff Spurr

Chair, Part‑time Appointment Committee

User Experience Design

Faculty of Liberal Arts

Questions can be directed to Nicole Morgan (  ). Please indicate the course number in the email subject line.

Please click the gold “Apply Now” button located on the top right hand side of the page.

You will be asked to sign in if you have already created an account. If you are not a registered user you may create an account to apply to career opportunities. Once an account is created you will be able to sign in to apply for the position.

This appointment is in accordance with the Contract Teaching Faculty and Part‑time Librarians Collective Agreement, for which the Wilfrid Laurier Faculty Association (WLUFA) is the exclusive bargaining agent. All applicants are assessed using both the “Appendix H:
Assessment of CTF Candidates under 13.6.1” in the collective agreement and the program specific rubric, where applicable. Candidates should review these documents and ensure the information required is easily accessible in the application.

Please Note:

Candidate Application form (CAF) is used to apply to an individual posting and must be submitted with each application. The completed form is to be uploaded with all other application materials by the deadline listed in the course posting. Refer to Appendix I of the Contract Teaching Faculty Collective Agreement for further guidance about completing the CAF and Appendix H for details on how this form will be scored.

CTF Members (those who have taught a Laurier in the last 36…