What are your takeaways from design thinking? How can you begin incorporating the 5 steps (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test) into your current project idea? Explain.
What is the "How Might We " statement for your project? How will you use it to guide your research? Explain.
Design thinking is a 5 step process that leads to great ideas to create something that makes people's lives better. The 5 steps are: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Empathize is about how you can help people. Define is done by asking questions. Ideating is discovery by having an open mind and not staying stuck on one idea. Prototyping is creating your design while continuing to be open. Testing is using trial and error while adjusting prototypes. Before we begin this process, we have to create a "How Might We...?" statement. My "How Might We...?" statement is: How might we invoke confidence in someone who wants to make their home more sustainable by designing a website with tools and knowledge on sustainable energy?
In the case of my project, I have been able to use Design Thinking. I can use empathy to understand how to help people who want to reduce their ecological footprint. I will define by asking questions about problems such as sustainability, climate change, and ocean acidification. As I learn more about sustainable energy I may decide there's a better way to share the information or I might discover something that leads me in a different direction. While I am developing ideas for my project I will have to remember to not be afraid of a change of course. For my prototype, I will create a drawing before making my website. In my drawing, I will plan out the design of each page (titles, layout). As I test and create my website aspects of my first design that are unattainable. I will need to change my design as I go along to fit what's best for sharing what I learn.
I will use my "How Might We...?" statement to guide my research. This statement will remind me that the ultimate goal of my project is to make other people's lives easier. I want the information that I gather to be presented in a way that is reachable and understandable. My website will be as user-friendly as possible. As I develop my project, I will think about the people I am trying to help in every step.