Design Thinking and Innovation 

Introduction

Design thinking and innovative technology are reshaping how we approach problem-solving and creation, much like the maker movement and hands-on learning are transforming education. Design thinking begins with understanding the needs and desires of the end-user. It involves immersing oneself in their world, observing their behaviours, and empathizing with their challenges. This deep understanding then fuels the ideation process, where diverse perspectives and creative brainstorming lead to innovative solutions.

Innovative technology plays a crucial role in bringing these ideas to life. Rapid prototyping tools, 3D printers, and other digital fabrication technologies enable designers to quickly create tangible models and test their concepts in the real world. This iterative process of prototyping, testing, and refining allows for continuous improvement and ensures that the final product truly meets the needs of the user.

Maker spaces, which we covered in another module, emphasizing hands-on learning and experimentation, provide the perfect environment for design thinking to flourish. These collaborative spaces offer access to tools, resources, and a community of like-minded individuals. They encourage tinkering, exploration, and the freedom to fail, all of which are essential for fostering creativity and innovation.

The combination of design thinking and innovative technology is not limited to professional designers or engineers. It's a mindset that can be applied to any field, from education to healthcare to social activism. Students in maker spaces are using design thinking to solve real-world problems, creating assistive devices, developing sustainable solutions, and even designing new educational tools.

This approach is not just about creating innovative products; it's about empowering individuals to become active creators and problem solvers. It's about fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. By embracing design thinking and innovative technology, we can unlock new possibilities and create a more human-centered future.

Activity

When we think back on our own education experience, even within this class, the memorable experiences that helped build knowledge were usually rooted in a moment where a concept just connected with us. That moment of connection, where a student sees the value in the curriculum we are delivering is what we all strive for. This connection can occur when someone relates the concept to their own experience, sees a solution to a problem they are facing, and sees a benefit to their life. After all, why bother if you do not see the benefit?

Use the Design Thinking Roadmap as a foundation. In the column that lists "Did we?" highlight technology integration tools or strategies that could support these actions. You can use the PDF of the roadmap and annotate your ideas, or start from scratch and create a list in another platform.

... or Project Extension

Use the Design Thinking Resource and Strategy list to integrate a strategy in your planning to incorporate real-world problem-solving, inquiry, and/or design thinking. The strategies in the list can be used as they are presented, or may inspire you to create something from scratch. Regardless, write an explanation how you integrated the strategy into your project and the connection that you made to technology integration.