FEBRUARY 2026

Graduate School Application Advice: Designing a social innovation portfolio with purpose.

Eco-social design asks us to broaden traditional design thinking approaches and consider systems thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-led design. Story is key – include your POV, your positionality*, and your purpose.

Start your application to MFA DSI

Here are some commonly asked questions and our advice as you prepare your portfolio:

“Is a portfolio the only thing I can submit?”

Consider submitting a visual portfolio, a case study that examines a project, or even a written proposal for research or a project as a part of the application process. Highlight your strengths and interests in eco-social issues. Show how you organize and structure your work – both written and visually.

Our students come from diverse fields like social sciences, engineering, architecture, fine arts, filmmaking, economics, human rights, and education. How you approach design may differ based on your experiences, and that’s great.

“What are we looking for in portfolios?”

As a social design program, we are seeking portfolios that tell your story, share your unique experiences, and your learnings.

As much as we love beautiful design work, we want to see your vision, your purpose, and how you think about the world through systems thinking, context, strategy, and community.

“How much do you want to see?”

For a visual portfolio, ideally share 3-4 projects concisely and clearly. A range of projects is great to show breadth, presented in a way that also offers depth (brief descriptions, impact, and process).
For a case study, 1-3 case studies, structured to show elements such as a problem statement, findings, analysis, recommendations, etc.
For a research or project proposal, please submit no more than 3 pages to highlight a project you have done or would like to do including goals, the who and the how, hypotheses, and outcomes.

A personal statement or your design principles are also excellent things to demonstrate.

More information on each option here.

“What should I say in my statement of purpose?”

A Statement of Purpose articulates your aspirations, vision, and interests, and why you feel MFA DSI can support your goals. It should also clearly state the social issue(s) that will anchor your explorations and studies at MFA DSI.

Consider:

• Tell us about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.

• Share about a time when you have been innovative, critical, and responsive.

• Share a story that reflects your lived experience or an experience that shifted your mindset.

Connect the dots and reflect upon what you hope to achieve at MFA DSI.

We value personal voice and storytelling, so please submit original work with citations, and mention whether you use generative AI in your portfolio or writing (and how…we are curious to know how you are using it).

Any other questions? Check out more about our Program and read our FAQ.

*”Positionality” comes from the work of design researcher Lesley-Ann Noel in her book, Design Social Change (STANFORD DSCHOOL, 2024)