We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used. In addition, with the rapid changes in society, the methods we have previously used to solve many of the problems we face are no longer effective. We need to develop new ways of thinking in order to design better solutions, services, and experiences that solve our current problems. Design Thinking steps in with a bold newly systematized and non-linear human-centered approach. This will help us radically change how we go about exploring problems and creating solutions to those problems. IT is a methodology for creative problem-solving. You can use it to inform your own teaching practice, or you can teach it to your students as a framework for real-world projects.
One of the first questions people ask when hearing about Design Thinking is, “What is Design Thinking best used for?” Design Thinking is suited to addressing a wide range of challenges and is best used for bringing about innovation within various contexts.
It is also a mindset that can be applied in almost any scenario where innovation or thinking differently is required. It starts with an intention, a desire, a need or yearning towards a better situation or state. We have no way of knowing whether this is a mere dream or a practical and viable path to take. Design Thinking gives us the tools to explore What Could Be.
The enthusiastic little innovators of Adhyayan School, attend one of the most awaited and innovative events of the year, The Design Thinking Week, 2078 from 16th August 2021 to 20th August 2021. It was supposed to be their first project on Design Thinking of this year which was conducted right after the completion of the First Terminal Examination. The students from Grade 1 to 10 were divided into different subgroups and felicitated with mentors.
The little designer of Adhyayan School explored various challenges and problems related to Human Society, National and Internal Economy, Environment and Forestry, Traditions and Cultural Diversity, and Science and Technology. The scrupulous students had undergone the five processes of Design Thinking.
On the first Day(Problem Phase: Empathize), students were engaged in different activities to develop the best possible understanding of the users, their needs, and the problems that underlie the development of that particular topic via different research and surveys.
On the second day(Problem Phase: Define), students defined the problem through various perspectives and created a problem statement in a human-centered manner.
On the third day(Solution phase: Ideate), they used different ideation techniques such as Brainstorm, Brainwrite, worst possible ideas, and scammer. Brainstorm and Worst Possible Idea sessions were typically used to stimulate free thinking and to expand the problem space. It was important to get as many ideas or problem solutions as possible at the beginning of the Ideation phase. Then, the students picked some other ideation techniques by the end of the ideation phase.
On the fourth day(Prototype), the little innovator then produced inexpensively, scaled-down versions of the product or specific features found within the product, so they could investigate the problem solutions generated in the previous stage. Prototypes were shared and tested within the team itself, in other departments, or on a small group of people outside the design team.
On the last day(Test), the model of their product was tested through the presentation, but in an iterative process, the results generated during the testing phase are often used to redefine one or more problems and inform the understanding of the users, the conditions of use, how people think, behave, and feel, and to empathise.
Students were successful in amazing all the mentors and audiences with their incredible and bewildering ideas to solve the problems that persuade. The prototypes prepared by the students were tested on the final day which was a glorious moment to cherish the outstanding success of week-long research and hard work!
These little young talents are truly commendable and we are really proud of them!
Keep innovating!
Sonam Singh (Computer Science Teacher)