Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Claudia Rebola, Design Strategy Micro-Credential

Since being founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati has been home to a number of several life-changing discoveries thanks to the tireless work of our world-renowned faculty. Dr. Claudia Rebola has channeled her passion for helping vulnerable populations into design methods research.

With the launch of UC’s first micro-credential in Design Strategy, Dr. Rebola looks to expand the usage of strategic design principles in the field of technology development and beyond.

Dr. Rebola’s academic career begins in her home country of Argentina where she received her undergraduate degree in Industrial Design from the Universidad Nacional de Cardoba. From there, she received her M.S. in Industrial Design and later her Ph.D. in Information Design from North Carolina State University.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Rebola developed an interest in research and design methods in areas related to vulnerable populations such as those affected by aging, addiction, and disability. Her work in research and design methods has been transdisciplinary and often involves using a blend of technology, public health, and art to develop novel solutions to issues affecting underserved communities.

Her research has also captured the attention of numerous organizations and publications. Prestigious institutions such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research have provided funding for Dr. Rebola’s research. Additionally, she regularly publishes in professional journals related to her area of research and serves as a reviewer to prestigious journals such as the International Journal of Design and SAGE Open.

Both in conference rooms and in our neighborhoods, groups of people come together every day to develop solutions to various problems. Although Dr. Rebola’s research area of interest relates to societal problems affecting underserved populations, her way of developing solutions can just as easily be adapted to areas such as product development, business model innovation, and operational efficiency.

UC's online micro-credential in Design Strategy teaches problem solving from a strategic, systems basedsystems-based approach. The courses in this program cover design strategy across disciplines such as product development, strategy design, and translational research as well as research methods for providing qualitative and quantitative insights upon which solutions can be built.

For mid-career professionals, the design strategy micro-credential provides flexible ways to upskill. While a graduate degree program may work for some individuals, the cost or time commitment may be prohibitive to others. With only two courses required to complete the program, our Design Strategy micro-credential allows working professionals to acquire new skills in a timely and cost efficientcost-efficient manner.

We’re grateful to have talented faculty such as Dr. Rebola leading the way on UC’s first micro-credential program in Design Strategy.

Regardless of your career field, the skills gained in this program can prepare you to design solutions for organizational challenges of all kinds. If you’re curious to find out how your career can benefit from this program, our Enrollment Services Advisors are here to help. Connect with us today to learn more!