elevateHer

It’s time for a leap forward in women’s health innovation.

In this one-week sprint, students will use design thinking to tackle pressing challenges in women’s health. Working in teams, participants will explore different dimensions of the field, guided by expert stakeholders and coaches. Using tools like rapid prototyping and iteration, students will discover how human-centered design can drive technical breakthroughs in research. More than a course, this experience aims to inspire new perspectives, build a community of innovators, and spark lasting change in the way we approach women’s health.

Course Format

The course will be project and team-based and highly participatory. It will also include short lectures/discussions with guests and experts and group shareouts/reflections.

Audience

Open to incoming* and returning graduate students as well as postdoctoral scholars.

*MSx Class of 2026 and first year MBA students are ineligible to participate due to mandatory program requirements.

Course Description

Elevate Her: A Sprint for Women’s Health is a brand-new, one-week intensive course designed to spark innovation at the intersection of design, research, and women's health. From biomaterials to biomechanics and beyond, the challenges in this space are vast—but so are the opportunities. Using human-centered design methods, students will work in interdisciplinary teams to tackle pressing challenges in women’s health and performance.

Guided by expert stakeholders, renowned faculty, and experienced coaches from Stanford and the broader Bay Area, participants will explore real-world problems, generate creative solutions, and prototype innovative concepts. These mentors bring invaluable insights and support, enriching the learning experience and ensuring that participants are well-equipped to make impactful contributions.

This course is structured as an immersive design sprint, moving swiftly from problem discovery to ideation, prototyping, and final presentations or pitches. Students will engage in hands-on activities and iterative design exercises to build solutions that prioritize human impact and user experience.

Beyond the sprint itself, Elevate Her aims to foster a lasting innovation community on campus. By bringing together diverse perspectives from various disciplines, we hope to spark new collaborations, inspire entrepreneurial thinking, and motivate students to continue driving change in the realm of women’s health even after the course concludes.

No prior experience with design thinking is required—just a commitment to full participation, an openness to creative problem-solving, and a passion for making a tangible impact in women’s health. Join us to challenge your limits, expand your horizons, and contribute to meaningful advancements in this crucial field.

Course Focus & Inclusivity Statement

This course centers on designing for women’s health, exploring both gendered experiences and biological factors related to sex. While much of our content will draw from research and lived experiences specific to women, we recognize that gender identity is not binary, and that health topics we address may be relevant to people across a spectrum of gender identities and biological characteristics. We welcome and value the perspectives of all participants, and aim to foster an environment where diverse experiences enrich our understanding of health and design.