"I'VE LEARNED THAT BEHIND EVERY HEADLINE THERE IS A HUMAN WITH THEIR STORY": GEARING UP ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECTS FOR NURTURING EMPATHY

Engineers are not only problem solvers but also individuals with social responsibilities and ethical considerations. Incorporating empathy into engineering education goes beyond imparting technical skills; it involves fostering the holistic development of individuals. In this practice paper, three courses tailored to their unique institutional and subject contexts yet unified by a shared objective of fostering empathy through design education are described: two courses offered at one higher education institution in North America and one course offered in Europe. The courses are centred on the principles of design thinking and project-based learning, providing students with a structured framework to tackle complex societal challenges. Taken together, the courses demonstrate the wide adaptability of this pedagogical approach across educational levels, institutions, countries, themes, and disciplines.