Design Thinking

Design Thinking is a solutions-based, hands-on approach to solving problems.  I use this as a framework in the classroom whenever we are going to be designing STEM/STEAM solutions to real world problems or when students are working on their entrepreneur and passion projects.

There are many variants to the design thinking process; I really like using this simple graphic from Seesaw to explain the philosophy behind Design Thinking to students:

There are two Design Thinking frameworks that I have meshed together to create my own teaching and learning tool.

The first is the 6Ds process of Solution Fluency by Lee Watanabe Crockett, which involves:

• Define - What is the challenge and what do you need to do? What problem do you need to solve?
• Discover - Research and gather information about the users of your solution.
• Dream - Think big, brainstorm ideas
• Design - Make a prototype - a model or representation
• Deliver - Present your information
• Debrief - What did we learn?

The second is the 4 Ws Process from Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie's book, Designing for Growth. The 4 Ws process involves asking:

• What is? Exploring the current reality
• What if? Envisioning alternative futures
• What wows? Getting users to help make some choices
• What works? Making it work in the real world

Here is the graphic I created to use in my classroom:

References:

Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie, Designing for Growth: A Design Thinking Tool Kit for Managers, 2011: http://www.designingforgrowthbook.com/

Solution Fluency - 6Ds of Design Thinking: https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/solution-fluency-design-thinking 

Remade: Sustainable Wearable Art Show

Our students were recently involved in a sustainable art show organised by Interweave Arts director Kim Schneiders. 'Remade' showcases wearable art and objects by local designers and artists, and it is such a fantastic program for our students to be involved in. The show emphasises the need for environmental sustainability and students worked hard with two teachers over several weeks designing and creating their own costumes for the show out of recycled materials.

Part of this years theme included Waterways and Threatened Species, which was a fantastic way for students to get involved in making a statement about plastic in our oceans. They had a blast creating their costumes and rehearsing the dance choreography for the show.

This is such a powerful experience for our children; not only are they collaborating and engaging with the community and 'showing off' their skills and creativity, but they are also empowered by the opportunity to be activists through art. They feel like they play an important role in eductating others and raising awareness of the need to take care of the world they live in.

These amazing photos of our students on the catwalk and performing their dance were taken by Anne O'Connor, and are too stunning not to share!

Here is a local newspaper article on the event: Sustainable art, Remade