A recent read of Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Design Thinking & Human-Centred Design Thinking by Sandra Averill and Stacey Bernier (also available on issuu platfom), brought me back fifteen years to when I studied Industrial Design (product design).
Design thinking
Human-centred design thinking
I have used the processes depicted above and described by Averill and Bernier many times in the design of products, but also apply it to other areas. The fact that this process is being introduced to students of all ages is fantastic. It gives students a process and strategy for solving problems in any area of life. The focus on human-centred design fosters the develop of empathy in students and ensures that the results will be user-friendly.
A recommended read to find out more!
The book also provided a link to a video describing a school’s student expedition project. The students are exposed to a problem and then they work interdisciplinarily on it over the course of the year. Their example was to create a device to harness natural energy. It would be fantastic to use this model for all students. Purpose drives enthusiasm and opens pathways. Establishing a team of teachers committed to the same focus would be brilliant, and beneficial for the students’ learning.
Patricia's Learnings 