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Nancy Richardson Design Center

Nancy Richardson Design Center Learn. Explore. Create. "The RDC is teaching new ways of thinking through doing."

— Jason Frazier, Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

 

  • In six semesters of Intro to Design Thinking, students have successfully tackled more than 271 problems 271
  • 13 different IDEA courses offered with immediate access and hands-on learning in our fabrication labs
  • 219% According to the Design Management Institute, companies using design thinking outperformed the S&P Index by 219% over 10 years

Explore Design Thinking Courses

Create, build, and explore. Learn textile fabrication and infographics, or dive into woodworking or 3D modeling. Customize your skillset with flexible and transformative design thinking courses and fabrication labs at the RDC.

Three students collaborate on a project at the Nancy Richardson Design Center

Earn an Undergraduate Certificate or Minor

Boost your productivity and career marketability. Earn an Undergraduate Certificate or Minor in Design Thinking to learn highly sought-after skills and build confidence in creative problem solving.

A student uses an angle grinder in the Metal Lab as sparks fly.

Earn an Online Graduate Certificate

Become a game-changer for your industry in only 9 credits. The Online Graduate Certificate in Human-Centered Design Thinking will improve personal creativity, inspire out-of-the-box ideas, and innovate your field.

A student working on the computer to complete an online assignment.

Apply for a Design Thinking Internship

As part of a Minor in Design Thinking, experience the unique opportunity to work alongside industry experts to hone your design thinking skills, build a professional network, and push the boundaries of innovation.

An instructor demonstrates how to use the panel saw in the Wood Lab

Discover Early College Opportunities

Get a head start on designing your future while earning college credit. The RDC offers flexible and accessible early college opportunities to high school students across the state of Colorado.

High school students walking up the red stairs from St. Vrain Valley School District tour facilities at the Nancy Richardson Design Center

Become a Lifelong Learner

Whether you’re seeking to explore new passions, enhance your skills, or quench your thirst for knowledge, we’ve designed a welcoming environment for lifelong learners. Experience lifelong learning at CSU.

A lifelong learner showcases her work at the 2023 Fort Collins Modern Quilt Fest in the RDC Design Exchange.