Innovation Minor Program

The innovation minor provides a formal structure to introduce and develop the innovative mindset. The innovative mindset understands and applies design as the synthesis of thought and action in identifying and solving problems and imagining new futures. Practices of engagement, social inequities, technological advancements, environmental change: everything in this world has been designed. Through problem- and project-based coursework embedded with service-driven learning opportunities, students develop an innovative mindset through skills found in design strategy and management, ethnographic fieldwork, making and prototyping, and persuasive storytelling. The experience culminates in a team-driven, industry-sponsored practicum that may engage with an individual, family, local community, organization, the city of Portland, and beyond.

An innovative mindset is intrinsic to being human. Humans have been shaping reality for millions of years; observing their reality, imagining something new, and making it. Today the context of shaping reality is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Barriers ranging from perceptual, cultural, associational, and emotional blockers inhibit creativity and innovation, which manifests as cultural bias, political misperception, or the fear of failure. The innovation minor prepares students with the ability to personally navigate and facilitate others through these barriers, becoming stewards of possibility in any context they may find themselves.

Limited to 25 students per cohort, the program is open to all majors and concentrations creating spaces for interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities for students to push the boundaries of their areas of interest. Students are encouraged to follow the standard sequence of courses by registering for INV 200 in the Spring. However, students may also follow a non-standard sequence by registering for INV 300 in the Fall. As a 15-credit program, students complete four required 3-credit courses and an additional 3-credit elective. The innovation minor courses are: INV 200 Introduction to Design and Innovation, INV 300 Empathy and Human-Centered Design, INV 350 Critical Making, Sketching, and Prototyping, and INV 400 Industry Sponsored Innovation Practicum. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors for more information on how the innovation minor courses may count towards professional electives or outside electives.

See the Innovation Minor website for examples of student projects For more information about the program contact Salvador Orara, director of innovation, University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97203-5798. Telephone (503) 943-7841, email orara@up.edu.