join
Our community grows every quarter, and we would love to have you too! Together we can tackle innovative human-centered design projects and help each other become better UX thinkers. Below are different ways you can be involved in DI.
Our Structure
Design Fellows
Our Fellowship program is a community of UCD students passionate about design and human-centered problem-solving. Fellows will have access to the DI alumni network, a design challenge, and internal events.
Design Associates
These are mentored teams of experienced designers focused on solving exploratory, out-of-the-box problems or providing innovative solutions for their peers.
Design Fellows
Design Associates
Design Sprint
3 weeks
6 weeks
Time Commitment
2-3 hours per week
4-6 hours per week
Requirements
An interest in human-centered design / user experience and a passion to learn.
Significant knowledge of UX design shown through a portfolio. The portfolio can include UX case studies from internships, DES 112, or personal passion projects.
Quarters Offered
Fall, Winter, and Spring
Fall and Spring
Our General Sprint Process
Each DI project follows the industry’s standard structure. Our design process is split into six sprints: research, ideation, wire-frame iteration, testing, prototyping, and presenting. These projects range from redesign to exploratory themes and come with guidance from a mentor or board members.
Spring 2025 Recruitment Timeline
TUES, APR 1ST | 7-8:30PM | WALKER 1320
Kickoff + Application Workshop
Get to know the DI community and learn about what to expect from our applications.
Cohort Applications Due
The Cohort application will be due at 11:59PM PT; submit through the application form.
WED, APR 2ND | 9-11AM | 231 E ST
Coffee Chats
DI Board will be hosting coffee chats at the Peet's Coffee for anyone interested in learning more about our community.
THURS, APR 10TH | 11:59PM
Fellowship Applications Due
Sign up to join the Design Interactive community! You must be a UC Davis student to apply.
MON, MARCH 31ST - THURS, APR 10TH
Office Hours
We’ll be holding virtual office hours every day starting March 31st until the Fellowship application deadline — feel free to ask us questions, seek guidance for the challenge, or just have someone to talk to about design. Sign up here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Design Major?
Absolutely not! We take people of all majors — from Economics to Cognitive Science to Statistics! We give no preference to particular majors, as great design teams are built from diverse backgrounds.
I'm new to design/UX/product design. Should I still apply?
If you are just beginning your UX journey, we strongly encourage you to apply to our Fellowship where you'll have the opportunity to interact with other aspiring designers and access help & educational resources we've curated for you!
Am I required to attend Recruitment events to apply?
Attendance is not required to apply, but we still want to get to know you! Talking to a board member is a great networking opportunity and will help you better prepare your application.
What can I expect to learn by being a part of DI?
Whether you're a part of our Cohort or Fellowship, be ready to —
- Practice the human-centered design method by being passionate about understanding the user's perspective when developing solutions to problems.
- Pick up and practice different design techniques (ex. user research, usability testing) and tools (ex. Figma) critical to the field.
- Work collaboratively in teams, balance opinions and reach agreement, and help support each other's growth.
SPRING 2025
Recruitment