Contextual Innovation in Society

Catalog description

What is innovation? Can such a concept be meaningful without understanding the contexts in which it arises? Certain innovations, such as cars, have shaped social development and the evolution of human cultures. Others are more discrete. Why is a plastic bottle’s diameter standardized to a specific value? What is the ideal height for a door handle, or a stair? Such micro-innovations hide in plain sight yet are instrumental in our lives. This course will help students define and explore 'contextual innovation,' especially in science and technology. Undertaking practical fieldwork in Abu Dhabi, students will leverage the city’s unique cultures to generate empathetic, culturally-competent, and context-specific innovations across industries and fields. Readings will include theoretical approaches from design and engineering, sociology, and anthropology. Case studies will include historical examples such as cars and electricity, as well as contemporary examples from global corporations such as Apple and Uber. By the end of this course, students will have co-developed a framework for empathetic, contextual innovation translatable to other projects in their careers. This course will be offered in January-Term 2026.