This unit consists of two modules that aim to educate learners on designing interventions for social impact. It offers an in-depth exploration of design-led approaches to digital development, focusing and equipping learners with a foundational understanding of design practice.
This unit includes: 2 modules, 17 hours of online lectures and 45 hours of individual study.

Module 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIAL DESIGN | (10 hours)
In this unit, learners are introduced to design as the means of conceptualizing, developing, and choreographing interventions – as the aggregate of products, services, business models, experiences, policies, infrastructures, etc. – that effect durable change in and through complex systems. Less emphasis is placed on the design of technologies per se; rather, this class will use theoretical frameworks drawn from systems thinking and complexity science, sociotechnical systems and actor-network theories, anthropology, and relational and ontological design to help learners locate their efforts within and relate their efforts to development and humanitarian practice and frameworks for (sociotechnical) systemic design. This unit further explores how and why design might offer a more appropriate (just, equitable, sustainable, pluriversal, effective) approach to social change than traditional development paradigms, due in part to the underlying worldviews reflected in each practice. At the same time, learners will evaluate and critique some prevailing design approaches employed in the digital development field – including Human Centered Design, service design, and, more broadly, design thinking – in the context of development and humanitarian ethos, objectives, and politics.
Lecturer: Josh Harvey, Catholic Relief Services

Module 2: DESIGN LAB | (7 hours)
The Lab serves as a dynamic space and a test bed in which to explore and cultivate competencies in design practice – doing design – and design facilitation – helping others to, and creating conditions for, doing design – as well as concrete skills in design research, sensemaking, framing problems and opportunities, creative ideation, prototyping, and testing.
Lecturer: Josh Harvey, Catholic Relief Services

This transdisciplinary unit provides a multifaceted exploration of the role of ICT in societal impact across various development sectors. The curriculum delves into the utilisation of digital tools in healthcare, focusing on innovative solutions from preventive measures to drug distribution, particularly in Majority World. It also examines the transformative potential of ICT in agriculture, discussing how technology can enhance efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, the unit scrutinises the intricate relationship between human rights, democracy, and digital technology, providing insights into both the supportive and inhibitive roles of ICT. The course concludes with a look at humanitarian crisis, and the role that ICTs can have about the current challenges and opportunities during humanitarian crisis. In addition to the core modules, a special seminar focuses on the “Learning Passport” to showcase its role as a prime example of ICT in education.
This unit includes: 4 modules, 38 hours of online lectures, and 90 hours of individual study.

Module 1: ICT FOR HEALTH | (10 hours)
This module will describe key concepts, applications and examples about the use of ICT and mobile phones to support and reinforce health information systems around the world and in Majority World, in particular. Best practices, procedures and suggestions will be presented in order to design/adopt the proper tool/application in the specific context. The module will explore, present and examine many innovative solutions and applications that, using the power of web and mobile technology, have been implemented and tested within healthcare systems in Majority World for the last decade. Some have been limited to pilot projects while others have been able to reach higher levels of scalability and be deployed at country or regional level. We will highlight strengths and weaknesses and best scenarios for each application. The module explores case studies and examples of ICT for health projects aiming at sensitising communities on preventive healthcare measurements, helping health staff to diagnose pathologies and identifying appropriate treatments, training health staff and community health workers, conducting healthcare campaigns or monitoring drug distributions, just to mention a few. The module will be concluded with a guest lecturer, Dr. Tosan Mogbeyiteren, who will help us to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things with some practical examples and projects from the field.
Lecturer: Paola Fava, JengaLab
     Guest-lecturer: Dr. Tosan Mogbeyiteren, Black Swan Tech

Module 2: ICT FOR AGRICULTURE | (10 hours)
Agriculture is a cornerstone of global sustainability, and digital innovation is reshaping how the sector addresses food security, climate resilience, and inclusive rural development. Digital technologies have become indispensable across agricultural value chains, supporting precision farming, climate-smart practices, market access, traceability, and stakeholder empowerment. Beyond traditional tools such as mobile phones, radios, and GIS, new frontiers are being explored with cloud platforms, AI and machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, drones, and satellite imagery. Increasingly, digital agriculture is also intertwined with policies on data governance, digital inclusion, gender equity, and sustainability standards. This module will present key methodologies and technologies currently applied by governments, NGOs, multilateral organizations, research institutions, and the private sector in Middle and Low-Income countries. Attention will be given to both opportunities—such as improved yields, financial inclusion, and risk management—and challenges, including digital divides, data privacy concerns, environmental trade-offs, and unintended socioeconomic impacts. By the end of the module, participants will be equipped to contribute ideas and strategies for shaping effective and responsible digital agriculture interventions as part of their work.
Lecturer: Dr. Simone Sala, JengaLab

Module 3: ICT FOR FOR PREVENTION AND PROTECTION IN COMPLEX CRISIS | (10 hours)
Over 11 years have passed since the humanitarian and development community launched the Agenda for Humanity and promised to engage in transformative action on five pillars: Prevent and end conflict, Uphold the norms that safeguard humanity, Leave no one behind, Working differently to end need, and Invest in humanity. The preparation for the Summit also happened to be at the peak of the Big Data frenzy, which envisioned a new paradigm shift in the field that drove a techno-optimistic wave of new actors and fresh investments in the design of a new, more efficient humanitarian ecosystem. Building on the five pillars of the Agenda, this module aims to define the journey, lessons learned and emerging trends of the digital transformation efforts of a sector that remains resistant to radical change. It will also provide opportunities for table top exercises and group work to engage in deeper discussions about the current challenges and opportunities for ICT in the sector.
Lecturer: Giulio Coppi, Access Now

Module 4: ICT POLICY AND SOCIAL GOOD | (8 hours)
This module delves into the foundations, processes, and nuances of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy, with a focus on its role in advancing social good. Participants will explore how ICT policy is shaped at national, regional, and international levels, and examine key domains including internet governance, digital inclusion, data governance, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The module also foregrounds the impact of geopolitical shifts—from the rise of private global technology companies and digital sovereignty claims, to the export of regulatory models, and the impact of these shifts on how policies are framed and contested across contexts. Through case studies and comparative analysis, participants will critically assess how policies are designed, implemented, and monitored, as well as their implications for equity, governance, and human rights. Overall, students will be equipped with analytical tools to evaluate existing ICT policies and practical skills to formulate policy recommendations that balance local needs, innovation, regulation, and social justice.
Lecturer: Grace Mutung’u, International Consultant