About (DEV) | ASU University Design Institute

Change is possible when we work together.

The University Design Institute turns bold ambitions for higher education into lasting change. Born from Arizona State University’s transformation, we partner with leaders, institutions and systems to reimagine what universities can become, and the difference they can make. We bring practical experience, design expertise and a global network to strengthen institutions’ capacity to lead their own transformation and expand their impact on the communities they serve.

Our vision

Universities emerge as powerful engines of social transformation and economic impact.

What we believe

Higher education has a fundamental responsibility to improve human and planetary well-being.

Realizing that responsibility requires institutions to continually examine their purpose, question established approaches and design new possibilities. We work alongside partners as they connect ambitious visions with practical action, building the knowledge, leadership and capacity to sustain change.

Born from ASU. Shaped by the world.

The University Design Institute draws on the experience of a university that continues to rethink how excellence, access and societal impact can advance together.

Through our Enterprise Design Practice, we work alongside ASU leaders and teams to support reimagining and redesign across the university. That experience informs our global work, while perspectives from institutions and systems around the world enrich our work within ASU. This exchange keeps our approach grounded in practice, responsive to context and open to new possibilities.

Explore our work at ASU

A global community of expertise

Michael Crow speaking to audience with hand extended

We bring together higher education leaders, designers, researchers and practitioners with experience across institutions, disciplines and regions. Each partnership connects the expertise of our team and global network with partners’ knowledge of their institutions and communities. Together, we design approaches grounded in local priorities and informed by diverse perspectives.

Meet our team Explore our expert network

Latest News

Arizona State University welcomes President of American Council on Education Ted Mitchell for Frank Rhodes Lecture Series on Higher Education

Public trust is declining. Longstanding assumptions about the value, cost and purpose of college are being challenged. Students are asking whether institutions…

CSU Design Accelerator teams turn rural engagement ideas into pilot-ready plans

Four cross-campus teams complete a five-month design process with proposals focused on community-led internships, impact recognition, shared problem-solving…

Building a learner-centered ecosystem across sub-Saharan Africa

Across the African continent, a profound demographic transformation is underway. More than 60 percent of Africans are under the age of 25, and the continent’s…

About the University Design Institute

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