Course Overview
This Knowledge Bloc introduces educators to the principles of Design Thinking, a user-centered creative process that emphasizes empathy, research, and iterative design. Unlike other methods of creative problem solving, Design Thinking focuses on understanding users’ needs and preferences through observation and data, and testing solutions with prototypes. This hands-on, interactive process empowers educators to create dynamic learning experiences that connect classroom activities to real-world applications.
This Knowledge Bloc is designed for K-12 educators that want to use design thinking principles to enhance project-based learning experiences or those that already implement Design Thinking, but want to better understand how user-research informs student designers as they engage in the process.
Key Learning Objectives
Byte 1
Identify the principles of design thinking by recognizing their role in problem-solving and their connection to established methodologies.
- Identify design thinking as a deliberate process that supports creativity through structured exploration and iteration.
- Recognize how design thinking centers on understanding the user through observation, questioning, and empathy.
- Explain how both creative problem solving and design thinking address ill-defined or “wicked” problems through a structured journey to solve problems.
Byte 2
Recognize examples of data-driven decision-making in design thinking by identifying how insights inform problem-solving.
- Identify how observing the audience in context can generate valuable data for understanding needs and behaviors.
- Recognize how gathering insights through research and reflection can help uncover and challenge assumptions in the design process.
- Generate a list of meaningful questions to learn more about a potential audience’s experiences, goals, and frustrations.
Byte 3
Create an empathy map to demonstrate an understanding of the user’s context, needs, and perspectives in problem-solving.
- Apply the four core quadrants of an empathy map—what the user says, does, thinks, and feels—to better understand audience behavior and perspective.
- Recognize the value of identifying and understanding the audience’s needs, wants, frustrations, and motivations.
- Describe how an empathy map helps organize and synthesize observations and insights gathered about an audience.
Byte 4
Create a user persona to demonstrate an understanding of how this activity can help us prioritize the needs and wants of the user throughout the process.
- Evaluate how a user persona can be used to prioritize audience needs and guide design decisions during ideation, prototyping, and testing.
- Apply the understanding that personas evolve by incorporating new insights gathered during the design process.
- Consider when multiple personas may be needed to represent different user groups within a broader audience.
Byte 5
Design a short activity or challenge that integrates one of the principles of design thinking to support an existing project or introduce a new design-based learning opportunity.
- Evaluate the essential elements that distinguish a design thinking activity from other types of classroom activities.
- Select an opportunity within an existing lesson, project, or learning context where the conditions are appropriate for a design thinking approach.
- Apply one core principle of design thinking—such as empathy, data-driven decision making, or iteration—to guide the creation of an activity.
How do I take Design Thinking Principles?
We’re here to get results and we know you are too. Here’s the best way for each of us to get there:
- Engage Fully – Jump into each section, starting with the overview and moving through the activities, quizzes, and deeper thinking exercises. Press “NEXT” at the bottom when you are done with the section!
- Stay Curious – Approach each activity with an open mind, and look for new ideas you can bring back to others!
As you explore this Knowledge Bloc, remember that learning is a journey. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see where it takes you!
Stay tuned for more Knowledge Blocs and additional resources designed to enhance your creativity and critical thinking journey in the classroom— press NEXT to continue!
Knowledge Blocs (KB) are designed for adult learners to obtain professional development, with learning objectives based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and actionable outcomes supported by Bloom’s Taxonomy. Knowledge Blocs in general, and where possible, follow the Torrance Incubation Model of Teaching and Learning.
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