What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. By encouraging students to empathize with users, define problems, ideate, prototype, and test their solutions, design thinking empowers them to become confident problem solvers and change-makers.

The beauty of design thinking lies in its versatility. Whether you have a couple of hours to dive into a quick design challenge or an entire term or year to embark on an in-depth project, this guide has got you covered. Our carefully curated lesson plan suggestions will help you inspire your students to think outside the box, approach challenges with an open mind, and embrace failure as an essential part of the learning process.

As you explore the various lesson plan ideas within this guide, feel free to adapt and tailor them to suit the specific needs and interests of your students. Whether it’s a STEM project, a social studies exploration, an art and design endeavor, or a cross-disciplinary collaboration, design thinking can enrich the learning experience and empower your students to tackle real-world issues with confidence and creativity.

The journey of design thinking is not just about arriving at a final solution; it’s about fostering a growth mindset, encouraging teamwork, and embracing the iterative process of learning. By integrating design thinking into your teaching practice, you’ll create a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students can unleash their imagination and turn their ideas into reality.