Human-centred Domain Intelligence (HDI) Second Major

Overview

The Human-centred Domain Intelligence (HDI) Second Major is designed to produce trilingual design innovators equipped to take on future challenges. Previously known as the Design and Artificial Intelligence (DAI) Second Major, this refreshed programme represents a powerful intersection of Design, Artificial Intelligence, and Domain expertise.

This supercharged pathway is now available to all SUTD students across all five majors. It is specifically structured to enable students from the DAI major to acquire further domain expertise in critical areas such as manufacturing and healthcare, while helping students from other majors acquire in-depth human-centred Design and AI expertise.

Why pursue a 2nd major?

In a world where AI is able to outthink, outcode, and outperform even the brightest individuals, the human element has never been more important. Pursuing the HDI Second Major empowers you to double your major and double your impact. The rationale for this programme is to equip graduates to tackle future challenges by mastering three core languages: domain expertise, AI mastery, and design skills.

These competencies will fundamentally transform how work is done, raising both the speed and quality of outcomes. By grounding your education in human-centred design, this combination guarantees that graduates do not just innovate for innovation’s sake. Instead, you will apply human insight, empathy, and ethical judgment to what you build. This ensures communities truly benefit from your work as you solve everyday problems through deliberate, purpose-driven design.

Second major highlights

The HDI Second Major features tailored pathways to ensure a comprehensive trilingual education:

• Universal eligibility: The programme is now open to all SUTD students across the CSD, EPD, ESD, ASD, and DAI majors.
• Targeted skill acquisition for ASD, CSD, EPD, and ESD students: Students from engineering and architecture majors will acquire in-depth human-centred Design and AI expertise.
  • Curriculum: This pathway requires the completion of 2 DAI studios (or 1 DAI studio + 1 DAI course), 2 AI courses from your own major, 1 additional AI course (which can be taken from another major), and 3 HASS HCD courses.
  • Domain categorization: CSD, EPD, and ESD students are categorized under the Engineering domain, while ASD students are categorized under the Architecture domain.
• Targeted skill acquisition for DAI students: DAI students will acquire further specialised domain expertise in critical sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare.
  • Curriculum: This pathway requires the completion of 2 courses on your chosen domain, 2 AI courses from your own major, 1 AI course on your chosen domain, 1 HASS course on your chosen domain, and 2 HASS HCD courses.
• Academic record: Upon graduation, your transcript will clearly indicate your domain focus, formalizing your expertise with designations such as a Second Major in Human-centred Domain Intelligence (Engineering) or (Healthcare).