Academic Director
School of Human Ecology | MS Design + Innovation, Design Studies and Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture
Hometown: Urbana, IL
Trudy Watt is a designer, architect, and innovation strategist who leads interdisciplinary initiatives at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. As Academic Director of the Master of Science in Design + Innovation, she guides teams in tackling complex, real-world challenges through life-centered and human-centered design. Her work blends strategic vision with grounded practice, bringing together designers, engineers, industry leaders and communities to shape more equitable and imaginative futures. Trudy speaks widely on design leadership, innovation strategy, and the role of applied compassion in transforming systems.
Talks:
Leadership by Design
Learn how design can shape better decisions, spark meaningful innovation, and strengthen collaboration. This talk offers practical tools for leading with clarity, creativity, and compassion while navigating complexity and creating positive impact.
Designing What’s Next
Discover how design and imaginative speculation help us see beyond the present and shape what comes next. This talk explores creative tools for envisioning bold possibilities, navigating uncertainty, and moving toward futures that expand our sense of what’s possible for our communities and organizations.
Designing Action with Applied Compassion
Experience how empathy becomes meaningful action through applied compassion. In this interactive session, participants practice simple design and reflection tools that build connection, reduce reactivity, and support compassionate problem-solving. Learn how small, intentional shifts can support individual resilience and strengthen teams, and improve everyday leadership.