Academia is buzzing with the idea of teaching students to think critically and creatively. This article introduces the reader to the use of the Understanding by Design 5 methodology, also known as the “Backward Design Process”. This is an approach to develop technical courses that aim to cultivate higher-order skills in students. By incorporating recommended critical thinking design features, this article provides examples and a framework for the development of new courses or the revision of current courses. A list of websites devoted to critical thinking and Understanding by Design tools is included at the end of this article for additional information.