What is it :Design Thinking is a way of thinking and working that involves coming up with creative solutions to problems ranging from subject-specific, cross-curricular to real live problems that the children may encounter in their own daily lives. Here we will solve problems by looking closely, if needed empathizing, and thinking cleverly.
It revolves around these key ideas:
Understanding the problem properly: Don’t start with a solution right away but get to know the problem really well first.
Coming up with creative ideas: Then you come up with many possible solutions.
Empathy: (if needed) You try to understand what someone needs or struggles with.
Trying out and making: You choose an idea and make a prototype (sample).Testing and improving: You show it to others, see what works and adjust it.
How does it work:
1: Who has a problem/what’s the problem? Understanding (if needed: Empathy)
You look carefully around you: What is a problem? Who suffers from something, who could use help, or what could be better? The teacher and/or students present a problem.
- Subjects, people, animals, groups, things or places
2: What exactly is the problem? (Define)
You will explore what is not going well or what is difficult. You ask questions, look carefully and try to understand the problem.
- something that needs to be combined, subject related, is difficult, works awkwardly, is missing or confusing, could be different
3: What can we think of to help? (Coming up with ideas)
You think of as many solutions as possible. All ideas are welcome! You think creatively, together or alone.
- make something, change it, add to it, improve it or think of something completely new.
4: Make an example of your idea (Prototype)
You make a model or example of your solution. You can do this with different materials. It doesn’t have to be perfect yet.
- drawing, building, tinkering, pasting, digital design.
5: Show it and improve it (Testing and improving)
You show your idea to others. You listen to what they think of it and adjust your idea to make it even better.
- present, discuss, modify, build further, analyse critically
In this way, students learn to solve a problem in a clever and creative way