Embedded Files
This project aimed to create a process flow diagram for Project-Based Learning (PBL) at IUPUI's Institute for Engaged Learning. Our goal was to design a visual representation that not only encapsulates the phases of PBL but also emphasizes each step's iterative nature. This diagram aims to serve as a guide for students and faculty, illustrating the dynamic process of engaging with project-based learning. The project was a collaborative effort between the creator and author of this page, Olivia Bradford, as well as my mentor, Debbie Oesch-Minor, and was completed in the summer of 2023.
Discover
Discover
Find secondary research on existing process models and PBL articles that influenced the final product in the DISCOVERY PHASE.
Deliver
Deliver
Find the final versions of the IEL's PBL process flow visual in the DELIVERY PHASE.
Experiment
Experiment
Find initial sketches that lead to the final version in the EXPERIMENTATION PHASE.
Resources
Resources
The resources section includes style guides, vocabulary, and ALL versions of the PBL process flow. Click here to view the PBL process visual.
Discovery Phase
Discovery Phase
During this phase, secondary research was conducted to understand what process diagrams and charts existed, where they excelled, and where they could be improved. Additionally, it was essential to understand Project Based Learning (PBL) as a whole to identify the steps taken during the process. Both articles and images were gathered as part of this phase and built a foundation for the rest of the project.
View our collection of process diagrams at the end of this section.
THE PROCESS
THE PROCESS
The initial stage of this phase consisted of conducting secondary research. Over 25 process diagram images and articles related to Project Based Learning were collected as part of this research.
View the process diagrams referenced in the drop-down below.
THE IMPORTANCE
THE IMPORTANCE
Gathering existing process diagrams and articles provided a repository of foundational knowledge related to PBL that I could return to in the subsequent phases.
Below are the process diagram examples and information on project-based learning obtained through secondary research.
Visual Process Diagrams
Visual Process Diagrams
Click the drop-down arrow on the right to view a collection of process diagrams from which I drew inspiration in the following phases.
Existing Design Process visuals to gain ideas:
Image from: https://theworks.org/educators-and-groups/elementary-engineering-resources/engineering-design-process/
Why: This has a similar iterative flow as the Herron design. It would also be interesting to have each icon be interactive and link to examples or more in-depth explanation of each area.
Image from: Herron School of Art & Design--Eva Roberts Twitter
Why: While we might not be able to use this exact visual, the layout is very intuitive and easy to follow. I'd still like to incorporate what we like from this to our design.
Image from: https://uxplanet.org/quick-steps-through-the-double-diamond-cf2e00b22ba7
Originally from: https://www.redspark.io/double-diamond-o-que-e-e-como-usar/
Why: This is the "iconic" design process model in UX. Each part of the diamond represents the need to approach different steps with a wide or narrow perspective. For example, defining the problem requires narrowing down on a topic. Meanwhile, developing a solution requires the researcher/designer to open up to a wide variety of ideas. This closely resembles a horizontal "double helix" type structure that might work well for our design.
Image from: https://empathizeit.com/design-thinking-models-stanford-d-school/
Why: The actionable and succinct bullet points make it easy to understand what needs to be completed at each step.
Image from: https://bootcamp.uxdesign.cc/analysis-and-design-phases-of-ux-design-process-8331933a9f43
Why: The infinity symbol highlights the cyclical and iterative nature of the PBL process
Image from: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/design-thinking/
Why: The design helps the viewer understand how each step of the process relates back to previous steps
Image from: https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl/gold-standard-project-design
Why: Highlights the main steps and learning goals students are meant to gain through PBL
Experimentation Phase
Experimentation Phase
During the experimentation phase, the project transitioned from research to design, creating initial sketches and prototypes of various process flow diagrams.
THE PROCESS
THE PROCESS
I took the lead in design, utilizing my skills in visual design to translate the insights gathered during the discovery phase into tangible visual concepts. Using Procreate for the initial sketches allowed me to easily experiment with various iconography, words, and diagram structures.
Above is the first collection of sketches. Scroll to the bottom of this phase to view the entire images.
THE IMPORTANCE
THE IMPORTANCE
This phase was iterative as we discussed and experimented with various layouts, shapes, and words. The iterative nature of this phase was instrumental in refining concepts and gaining feedback during discussions with Debbie.
Below are both versions of the process diagram sketches done using Procreate.
Above is the second collection of sketches. View the entire images at the bottom of this phase.
Sketches
Sketches
Click the drop-down arrow on the right to view the first batch of six process diagrams I sketched using Procreate. A prototype can also be found under sketch #2.
Sketches v.2
Sketches v.2
Click the drop-down arrow on the right to view the second batch of six process diagrams I sketched using Procreate.
Delivery Phase
Delivery Phase
The delivery phase culminated in finalizing the IEL's PBL process visual, which the ePortfolio Studio would utilize. Utilizing Adobe Illustrator, a collection of process visuals was finalized into editable PDFs. The final PDFs integrated our research and subsequent feedback to ensure both faculty and students would benefit from using the process visual.
Adobe Illustrator 2023 was used to create the final versions.
THE PROCESS
THE PROCESS
Adobe Illustrator was used to create a final version that represented the culmination of Debbie and I's collaborative efforts. Multiple variations were created to reach a wider audience.
Collaboration and feedback was integral to reach this phase.
THE IMPORTANCE
THE IMPORTANCE
This phase highlighted the importance of integrating feedback and ensuring the diagram effectively communicated the iterative nature of project-based learning.
Additional Use Cases
Additional Use Cases
Click the drop-down arrow on the right to view different ways the PBL process visual has been used.
Before & After Widget:
https://widget-ec233f879dd44ec899d178458d748cfb.elfsig.ht
Paper Print Out:
ePortfolio Studio
AAC&U Conference
Resources
Resources
To facilitate access to our work and encourage further exploration of project-based learning, a resources section is included. This section provides links to all versions of the PBL process flow diagram.
THE PROCESS
THE PROCESS
Resources were collected from the very start of the project and are still utilized regularly. This growing repository was built to connect students and faculty to relevant resources to use the PBL Process Visual or gain more insights into the lasting value of Project-Based Learning.
IUPUI Style Guides used in this project can be viewed in the drop-down at the end of this section.
THE IMPORTANCE
THE IMPORTANCE
This collection of resources offers insights into the evolution of our design process and serves as a repository for students and faculty alike.
View all PBL Visuals in the drop-down at the end of this section.
Process Vocabulary
Process Vocabulary
Click the drop-down arrow on the right to view the list of vocabulary and links to the High-Impact Practice Taxonomy for Project-Based Learning at IUPUI.
Project-Based Learning: IUPUI High-Impact Taxonomy
Project-Based Learning: IUPUI High-Impact Taxonomy
Oesch-Minor, D., Pierce, D., Hayes, K., Mihci, G., Robertson, N. M., Stucky, T., Van Busum, K., & Westerhaus-Renfro, C. (2023). Project-Based Learning: IUPUI High-Impact Taxonomy. https://hdl.handle.net/1805/32674
Vocabulary for PBL design process visual:
Vocabulary for PBL design process visual:
Background Research & Inquire: Acquiring Key Knowledge
Discover
Conduct Inquiry
Understand
Identify
Audience
Framing the Problem Space (Real World Relevance): Real World Relevance
Define
Authenticate
Apply
Need
Purpose
Brainstorming Solutions: Making It Their Own
Plan
Ideate
Individual Insights
Creating Prototype:
Develop
Prototype
Create
Test & Critique: Reflection
Revise
Assess
Evaluate
Present Findings to Stakeholders:
Produce
Act
Deliver
IUPUI Style Guides
IUPUI Style Guides
Click the drop-down arrow on the right to access links to IUPUI Style Guides. To maintain consistency, these style guides were used in the final versions of the IEL PBL Process diagram.
Ideas & Inspiration
Ideas & Inspiration
Click the drop-down arrow on the right to access links to ideas and inspiration on innovative uses and ways to display the PBL process visual.
Inspiration
Inspiration
Before & After Widget by Valerie Eikenberry:
https://valerieeikenberryiu.wixsite.com/eportfolio/copy-of-film-review-2
Ideas
Ideas
Before[Blank] & After[Filled out] Widget of PBL Process Visual
Reason: To show how the PBL Process Visual could be used in various PBL settings
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