DTI Strategic Planning

Ten years ago, a group of Smith College faculty built a pilot initiative in Design Thinking and Innovation with Smith’s president and provost. In fall 2015, they hired the first “Design Thinking Initiative” staff director. Then, the DTI moved into Capen Annex and began to build the place we know today.

During our decennial year, we are celebrating and reflecting on the last ten years, while envisioning the next ten to come.

In fall 2025, we focused on gathering experiences and ideas, and synthesizing our thoughts as a community. In spring 2026, we will communicate our identity and vision for the future.

Save the Date

for our review sessions!

You’re invited to join the Design Thinking staff as we review our key takeaways from the series of interviews and workshops we held in the fall.

At this session, you’ll have the opportunity to hear our early synthesis and provide additional feedback to ensure we are headed in the right direction as we enter the next phase of planning. Snacks will be provided!

  • Staff: Tuesday, January 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Conway Center
  • Students: Wednesday, February 4 from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. in Campus Center 103/104
  • Faculty: Tuesday, February 10 from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. in the Conway Center

Get Involved

Questions We’re Exploring

During our year of reflection and visioning, we will investigate:

  • Context & History: What is DTI today and how did it get here?
  • Impact: How has DTI impacted the Smith campus (students, faculty, staff), and the world beyond Smith?
  • Vision: What does Smith need most from an interdisciplinary space for design/making? How do we want DTI to evolve in the next ten years?
  • Strategic Priorities: How will we choose what to focus on, and how will we hold ourselves accountable?