Debra Lawton

Debra Lawton serves as Faculty Member at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, bringing 20 years of design teaching experience to the classroom. Through her Coursera course "Introduction to UX Design MasterTrack Certificate Program," she helps students understand user experience design principles and practical applications. As a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, she maintains strong connections between education and the design industry while working with non-profit organizations to improve their design experiences. Her teaching methodology emphasizes discovery and analysis, combining experimental and practical projects to help students develop their unique style while adhering to formal theory. She encourages students to approach design through research, ideation, and refinement, focusing on both user needs and client objectives. Her commitment to "design for good" demonstrates her dedication to using design as a tool for positive social impact.