Design 1 was developed by Lead Experience Designer and Lecturer Louie Montoya and was launched in 2022 with the Design Degree program. From the start, insights and feedback from students was critical to the creation of the class. Four years in, Louie is still learning from his students. In May 2026 Louie interviewed four graduating seniors who were in that first class—Bennie Nkwantabisa, Trini Rogando, Brighton Brown, and Kostadin “Kosi” Kostadinov Hadzhiivanov—asking them to reflect on their experiences in Design 1 and how it prepared them for their learning journey.
Building the foundations
Some classes at the d.school are designed to go broad. Design 1 was created to give students new to the Design program a solid foundation in design methodologies. Here Louie shares how he approached the creation of the class.
Working with people
Brighton was not only a student in Design 1 but later went on to be a TA for the class. For her, learning how to work well with others and building community was a key aspect of her experience.
Thinking analytically and creatively
Bennie sees design as being both challenging and rewarding. She speaks to the creative and technical rigor of Design 1.
Making things happen
What happens when you give a group of people from varied disciplines the ability to skillfully explore new ideas? For Kosi, this special combination was magic-making.
Moving from uncertainty to joy
For Trini, Design 1 was a challenging shift from traditional, test-based classes. It was the start of learning how to be adaptable, curious, unbiased, tenacious, and resourceful.
Credits
Videography by Michael Crocker, with planning and input from Louie Montoya, David Martinez, Laurie Moore, Mark Grundberg, and Jenn Brown. Special thanks to Bennie Nkwantabisa, Trini Rogando, Brighton Brown, and Kostadin “Kosi” Kostadinov Hadzhiivanov for their contributions to this project.
