AI is transforming industries, societies, and daily life—offering immense opportunities for innovation but also posing significant challenges. How can business and product leaders ensure AI is designed and deployed in ways that maximize positive impact on users and society?
This course provides a practical, decision-making framework for building AI products that are responsible and maximize human wellbeing. Through discussions of relevant research, guest speakers, and hands-on exercises, students will learn how to evaluate when and how AI products can drive social good, mitigate unintended harms, and embed AI responsibility into organizational culture and product development.
Students will apply these concepts by selecting an AI product—either an existing one to be redesigned for greater positive impact or a new project of their own—and refining it throughout the course using the principles learned.
The course will cover both AI products designed explicitly to tackle societal problems (such as healthcare, climate action, financial inclusion, etc.), and commercial AI products that while profit driven can be designed in ways that enhance user well-being.
At least one of: BUSN 30135, BUSN 32210, BUSN 35137, BUSN 41204, BUSN 43100 or BUSN 43120
The reading list can be found in the Canvas course site.
Class participation, assignments and a final project/presentation.
Description and/or course criteria last updated: January 29 2026
