Why is ethnography an important tool for designers, and how can it inform design practice? This course explores the role of ethnography as a research process that places ethical engagement and authentic connection at the core of the approach. We connect these explorations of methods to strategic design frameworks, to integrate best practices for user engagement and inclusive design. Deploying ethnography as a qualitative research methodology that builds knowledge through sustained, rich description of people, groups, or places, students will engage in participant-observation in a collaborative context. These techniques can build reflexivity, enhance capacity for deep insight, and integrate holistic, structure- and process-oriented thinking into one’s design practice. In the course, students will learn about ethnographic methods, debates, and interactions with the design disciplines, before collaboratively developing research proposals with partner organizations and implementing a 6-week field-based project. This course offers students tools and strategies for deepening engagement with research approaches that support just design outcomes.