The Master of Design degree program in Design for Health, with its framework of interdisciplinary health perspectives, health context, and design methodologies, will develop a scholarly research and problem-based approach to design within the health sector. The objective of the program is the development of design professionals who can engage and lead multidisciplinary teams within the design of environments, devices, services, communications and policies related to health and health innovation.  The program is intended for students with a strong disciplinary expertise in an area of design as demonstrated by an undergraduate degree and ideally several years of relevant design work experience or health administration, services, or technology with demonstrated propensity or experience in design innovation.

The 48-credit five semester Design for Health program’s degree objectives address four main themes:

·         The Health Context
·         Research Knowledge and Application
·         Design and Innovation
·         Proficiency and Leadership within Interdisciplinary Collaborations

The program proposes to integrate a relevant academic, theoretical and research informed context and structure within design education, theory, and practice, enhancing opportunities for interdisciplinary research for students and faculty within OCAD University and across research partners in other academic and health service institutions and industry. The program combines seminars with in-situ experiential learning engagements with health-oriented industry partners in each academic semester (excluding summer) to address tangible and critical problems within healthcare and community settings.