IDI Program Spotlight
Program Overview
The Institute for Design and Innovation (IDI) is a program that uniquely prepares students for tomorrow’s challenges. Through a framework defined by Process, Purpose, and Impact, IDI emphasizes experiential learning through authentic application rather than simulated exercises. By working with community organizations, students develop innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking skills that enable them to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
Growing Partnerships
A central component of the IDI program is engagement with external partners. Students collaborate with local organizations and social enterprises to address genuine needs and generate measurable impact. Recent projects include partnerships supporting women’s economic empowerment in Delhi, student-led environmental initiatives, and low-cost air purification solutions for schools. In these projects, students collect data, evaluate outcomes, and refine solutions based on evidence.
Ms. Maria Requena Lopez, Director, Global Strategy, Safe Hub, recently shared her perspective on the IDI experience from the client side, saying, "I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the project ideas shared by the IDI students. It reflected an understanding of the challenges facing social enterprises, accompanied by a desire to address them." - Maria Requena Lopez (Director, Global Strategy, Safe Hub)
Skills Development
IDI also integrates entrepreneurial learning for social impact. Students are enrolled in the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship program, where they develop skills in venture design, sustainability, and ethical decision-making. Entrepreneurship is positioned as a tool for problem-solving and civic engagement, rather than solely business creation.
The partnership between IDI students and students at Katha Lab School in Delhi bore fruit as an interactive learning experience for all. Mr. Rosmy Joseph, a Senior English Teacher at Katha Lab School, explains. “The workshop was engaging, informative, and highly relevant for our children. AES’s IDI students thoughtfully connected with the community background and language, clearly explaining the purpose of the Filtair model. Starting with an overview of AQI and its causes, they guided the children through a design-thinking approach, including empathy mapping to identify the target audience. Interactive group activities encouraged creativity, and by the end, our children came up with innovative ideas to improve air quality in their community. Overall, it was a wonderful and impactful learning experience.” - Rosmy Joseph: Senior English Teacher, Katha Lab School
Assessment in IDI prioritizes transferable competencies, including AES’s Learning Habits, critical and creative thinking. Students produce professional portfolios—such as websites—that document their learning process and outcomes, providing evidence of growth for university and external audiences.
Leadership and Outcomes
Students assume leadership roles, work with peers and professionals, and learn to navigate complexity, ambiguity, and feedback in real-world contexts. In this manner, they learn critical skills, including leadership and collaboration, through team-based projects and capstone experiences.
Through its emphasis on agency, impact, and authentic learning, IDI connects classroom learning to broader community contexts while preparing students for future academic, professional, and civic engagement. Learn more about IDI here.
Above - IDI Program members participating in a corporate showcase event (2026).