During his senior year at the University of Michigan, Peter Wacnik realized that conventional engineering paths didn’t fully reflect his interests. That insight led him to the Design Science master’s program, where he embraced a human-centered design philosophy and reimagined his future.
Peter Wacnik was always interested in engineering, but it wasn’t until his senior year at the University of Michigan that he discovered his true passion for human-centered design. After earning his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 2022, Peter returned to earn a Master’s in Design Science.
“I took a front-end design course my senior year that completely changed how I thought about design,” Peter shares. “It focused on ideation, user involvement, and solving the right problems through interviews and surveys. It was eye-opening.”
That course led Peter to rethink his next steps. After a round of job interviews that didn’t quite pique his interest, he discovered the Design Science program and realized it perfectly aligned with his career goals. “It turned out to be the right choice,” he says.
During his time in the program, Peter was drawn to coursework that emphasized empathy, social understanding, and problem-solving. One of his favorite courses was Theories of Social Influence, taught in the School of Information. Peter reflects, “It examined how people are influenced by others and by society. That was incredibly informative when thinking about how to design for real users.”
Another standout moment came through ENGR 501: Product Design, where Peter and his peers developed a product called SoleMate —a waterproof, anti-slip walking boot cover intended to help injured student-athletes move more safely and comfortably across campus. “We went through the full design process, from concept to business plan,” he says. “Even though it didn’t move beyond the class, it was an impactful experience.”
His capstone work also made a meaningful mark. Partnering with Professor Sienko, Peter worked on redesigning crash barriers for middle-income countries, even consulting with experts living in Ghana and Ethiopia. “That was a really special project,” he says. “It made me realize how design can have a global impact.”
The Design Science master’s program offered more than engaging projects. It gave Peter space to explore graduate-level research. He focused on Participatory Design in engineering, including its potential applications in nuclear reactor design. “Earning a master’s degree gave me a head start,” Peter explains. “I gained skills that helped me evaluate what I wanted from my career.”
The program’s small, close-knit cohort was also a highlight. Peter reflects on his classroom experience. “You’re working alongside people from diverse academic and professional backgrounds—engineering, psychology, business, the arts. That created interesting conversations and lasting connections.”
After graduating in 2023, Peter accepted a position in Ford Motor Company’s Ford College Graduate rotational program—a two-year, four-rotation experience that offers early-career engineers exposure to multiple departments.
During this rotational program, he contributed to program management efforts for the Bronco, collaborated with the Human-Centered Design team on user-driven innovation, and supported the 2025 model year launch of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator through a role based in Louisville, Kentucky at the assembly plant. In his final rotation, he worked as a Design and Release Engineer, focusing on electronic features and interior trim in the vehicle cockpit.
This experience offered Peter an array of transferable skills. “The degree taught me how to take ideas from concept to execution, which is exactly what I do in my work now,” Peter says. “It also trained me to look at problems through multiple lenses—technical, human, organizational—and that kind of holistic thinking is invaluable in a company as complex as Ford.”
He also emphasized the importance of empathy in manufacturing environments. “When you’re trying to solve a problem and help operators on the plant floor, you need to understand where they’re coming from and how it differs from your own perspective as an engineer. Design Science taught me how to do that effectively.” He currently works at Ford as a Product Development Engineer.
Peter believes the Design Science program is ideal for students seeking flexibility, collaboration, and purpose in their work. “If the program sounds interesting to you—go for it. It’s a short-term commitment with long-term rewards.”
He encourages incoming students to step outside their comfort zones by taking interdisciplinary courses and trying research, even if it’s unfamiliar. “Also, start building connections with your cohort early. The people you meet will shape your experience.”
One final piece of advice: learn how to talk about the degree. “A lot of people don’t know what Design Science is,” Peter said, “but once you explain it—and how you’ve applied it—they really get it. That’s when the value becomes clear.”
Peter Wacnik is one of many University of Michigan Design Science graduates applying creativity, empathy, and interdisciplinary problem-solving to make meaningful change—one design at a time.
