Student Experience Design is an approach to developing higher education curriculum through the lens of user experience (UX) and human-centered design. This model reimagines curriculum planning as a design challenge: centering the needs, motivations, and outcomes of students as the primary users of educational systems. By integrating principles such as empathy mapping, journey modeling, and iterative testing, Student Experience Design encourages educators and administrators to prototype learning experiences that are more engaging, accessible, and effective. The goal is to create holistic academic experiences that not only deliver knowledge but also foster belonging, confidence, and long-term student success.
About Neil Harner
Neil Harner is a seasoned UX Design practitioner, entrepreneur, and university professor with more than a decade of experience shaping curriculum at the intersection of design, technology, and education. As the Founder and CEO of Inverse Paradox, a Philadelphia-based digital agency, Neil brings real-world industry insight into his academic leadership as Program Director for the M.S. in User Experience & Interaction Design at Thomas Jefferson University. His work bridges professional practice and pedagogy, emphasizing human-centered methods for solving complex challenges in both digital products and higher education.
For more information about the future of Student Experience Design, or for workshop, consulting, or presentation opportunities, contact Neil at sed@inverseparadox.net