Activities & Events

Students participate in a number of activities and events throughout the academic year, both formal and informal. The program hosts public lectures and program socials, while students organize group outings. In addition to working closely together, students are encouraged to engage and network beyond the program given the amazing variety of groups and events happening all across campus.

A group of 5 students and faculty members speaking on a panel at the Sert Council in San Francisco.

Upcoming Events

A professor pointing up to a wall full of pinned student work as a group is looking up and listening.

MDE Virtual Information Session

Tuesday
September 22, 2026
10-11am
(Eastern Time)

Staff from the MDE program will present information about the program and application process, as well as take questions.

Two people crouched over a table with electronics on the surface of the table.

GSD Virtual Fall Open House

Wednesday
October 28, 2026
TBD

MDE Public Lectures

During both years, students attend guest lectures given by innovators and leaders in business, government, design, and engineering. These talks, whether public or private to the MDE group, invite interaction with speakers, as well as graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff from the larger Harvard community. Past speakers include:

A sculpture depicting a person walking with abstract shapes billowing behind them.

Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby

Unreal by Design

three people looking at an art exhibit.

Experience Design Futures

A young boy preparing to toss two paper airplanes while an adult in a suit explains instructions behind him.

John Collins

“The Paper Airplane Guy”

David Sheldon-Hicks, “Future Mapping”

Territory Studio

Juliet Russell, “Sustainability and the Fashion Industry: what does it mean to be in charge of Impact?”

Stella McCartney

Harry West of frog gesturing with his hands at the podium during an MDE lecture.

Harry West, “Servant or Svengali: Design, AI and CX”

frog

Ready to get started?