University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Design Thinking for Digital Agriculture

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Design Thinking for Digital Agriculture

Brandon Dohman

Instructor: Brandon Dohman

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
3 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
3 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Apply design thinking and human-centered design to identify and solve real-world challenges in digital agriculture.

  • Use empathy-driven research, ideation, prototyping, and testing to create innovative and user-centered agtech solutions.

  • Evaluate the ethical, social, and sustainability implications of digital technologies in agricultural systems.

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Recently updated!

May 2026

Assessments

27 assignments

Taught in English
91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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There are 7 modules in this course

Learn about the course by reviewing the course syllabus and meeting your instructor. Then, dive into module 1, where we will introduce learners to Human-Centered Design (HCD), its definition, processes, practices, and mindsets. It provides learners with the basic understanding of the two key HCD principles: 1) empathy and 2) iteration, as well as their application to innovative problem solving.

What's included

6 videos6 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt2 plugins

Module 2 provides an overview of digital/precision agriculture technologies and their applications with a focus on connecting design thinking and digitization. Learners will develop skills through activities and assignments with the ultimate goal of integrating HCD and DT into their work regarding digital agriculture.

What's included

4 videos6 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

Module 3 encourages learners to empathize with farmers and other stakeholders who are involved in the design and implementation of digital agriculture. This module will equip learners with the knowledge and skills to understand the needs and challenges faced by farmers and other stakeholders in the adoption and implementation of digital agriculture. By the end of this module, learners should be able to identify the unique needs and challenges of farmers and other stakeholders in various contexts and develop empathy towards their perspectives.

What's included

7 videos4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

Module 4 utilizes design thinking principles to ideate and prototype solutions that address the needs and challenges of farmers and other stakeholders. Additionally, learners should be able to critically analyze the impact of digital agriculture solutions on the livelihoods of farmers and other stakeholders. Learners will also consider the ethical and sustainable implications of their design solutions.

What's included

4 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt2 plugins

Module 5 will equip you with the strategies required to scale and sustain digital agriculture solutions effectively. This module will cover the essential concepts and strategies related to scaling and sustainability in the context of digital agriculture solutions. You will explore the factors influencing successful scaling, such as technology adoption, stakeholder engagement, and business models. You will also delve into the challenges and considerations involved in ensuring the sustainability of digital agriculture initiatives, including environmental impact, social equity, and economic viability. Through case studies, discussions, and hands-on activities, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the complexities of scaling and sustainability in the field of digital agriculture.

What's included

4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

Module 6 will allow you to explore the ethical considerations related to the design and implementation of digital agriculture solutions, enabling you to make informed and responsible decisions.

What's included

4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

Module 7 will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate digital agriculture solutions using a design thinking approach.

What's included

7 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Brandon Dohman
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
0 Courses0 learners

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