The following modes, icons, and descriptions are taken directly from the program! Click on the link above for information on the d.school and click on each of the steps below for resources and activities!

Empathy

-Observe-Engage-Immerse-Imagine

Empathy is at the heart of good design. Experience what your user experiences and view behavior through the context of their lives.

Define

-Actionable-Specific-Visionary-Point of View

Define requires unpacking and synthesizing your findings and observations. Explicitly state the problem or challenge while keeping the user in mind.

Ideate

-Go wide-Restrain Judgment-Quantity> Quality-Be Divergent

Ideating challenges you to restrain judgement and simply brainstorm as many ideas as possible. Go beyond the obvious and don't ignore the unexpected or ridiculous.

Protoype

-Connect-Design-Interact-Experience

Prototyping brings your ideas to life, whether sketching in 2D or creating in 3D. Prototypes must reflect a clear understanding of the user and the challenge or problem.

Test

-Listen-Reflect-Fail -Revise

Testing informs the designer and provides a chance to listen to feedback and revise or refine. Protoype as if you know you're right, but test as if you know you're wrong.

Creativity & Divergent Thinking

Creativity and divergent thinking give you the capacity to generate new and groundbreaking ideas. Promote these invaluable skills via anything from a quick warm up activity to an extended project.

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