Design Thinking & Inquiry in Education
Design Thinking isn't one thing: rather, it is an overarching term used to describe formalized processes intended to be iterative in support of creative problem solving. It assumes that everyone can be creative and provides a common language and structure effective for use when working through generative processes. There are many design thinking models, but some suggested as the most effective for use in education have been included here.
Design thinking holds empathy at the foundation of its processes, and requires participants to be reflective, embrace process, and understand that mistakes and 'failures' are requisites of learning. Design Thinking can be used with any and all subjects, and is particularly effective with integrated studies or inquiry projects touching on a broad range of disciplines.
The most commonly used Design Thinking framework was developed by IDEO and is used by the Institute of Design at Stanford, known as the d.school.
Other effective frameworks include:
And:
IDEO'S 'Design Thinking for Educators'
(Click Here!)
All design thinking frameworks stem from the same philosophy: inspiration, ideation & iteration.
The most effective route is to choose a framework that best suits a specific setting or type of challenge and consistently employ that framework as a foundation for inquiry so that a common language is used.
This framework works well in terms of moving students through writing processes, but is equally as useful for a broad range of design challenges across the curriculum.
The Launch Cycle is a relatively new design thinking iteration.
a note on sketch notes (visual note taking): sketch notes help us make sense of information - they can be used while watching a live or recorded presentation or talk; to take notes on key material, or as a means through which to check for understanding or convey ideas. Students, teachers and administrators can all benefit from developing their own use of sketch notes and sharing what they create.
sketch notes are great supports for design thinking processes, specifically during inspiration (empathizing) and ideation phases.
