TO THINK OR NOT TO THINK-MY DESIGN THINKING JOURNEY
By: Jaren Evans
BIG IDEAS
BIG IDEAS-CURRICULUM DESIGN
IN CHILDHOOD EDUCTION
The main goal in this course is to prepare students to become agents of change by sharing the best practices regarding curriculum. This done by instructing us in the concepts of preparing students to be global citizens, design and visible thinking, and the utilization of Habits of Mind.
WHY DID I CHOOSE DESIGN THINKING?
Design Thinking is an innovative method of solving problems. Before I started graduate school at Florida International University, I never heard of the concept. Therefore, it has taken quite a bit time and patience to fully comprehend. I used the Habit of Mind Persisting quite often during this course. It is imperative to remain resilient while facing some of the challenges Design Thinking presents.
I WANT TO SHARE MY STORY BECAUSE...
although I can currently say I enjoyed learning about Design Thinking and how to utilize it, there were many moments of frustration throughout the process. The steps seem simple enough; one must empathize, define, ideate, test, and prototype. However, all things that seem easy are not!
Design Thinking is an innovative way to solve problems; there are 5 major steps in the process:
WHAT IS DESIGN THINKING?
1. Empathize
2. Define
3. Ideate
4. Prototype
5. Test
MY AUDIENCE
My audience includes my Curriculum Design for Childhood Education peers and my professor, Dr. Salmon. I sincerely hope that they can connect with me as I share my experiences in this class from the past seven weeks.
EMPATHIZE
EMPATHIZE
This stage encourages understanding the issue at hand by empathizing with other people's feelings and emotions. This part is my favorite as I truly enjoy learning more about people. However, I feel that it can be challenging to "prove" that you can empathize with someone else.
HABIT OF MIND USED IN THIS STAGE
Using the Habit of Mind Listening with Understanding and Empathy seems simple enough; however, my design group was challenged by this process. Looking back, I believe we failed to appropriately get to know our users. Developing this relationship would have allowed the students and teacher to create and develop a closer bond. In addition, creating a sense of empathy gives us the opportunity to communicate with others on a deeper, more personal level.
DEFINE
This stage allows the problem to be clearly defined using a human-centered approach. I feel that excitement begins to build as you have moved past the beginning steps, and your thoughts have started to "come together."
DEFINE
HABIT OF MIND USED IN THIS STAGE
The Habit of Mind Gather Data Through All Senses is ideal for the defining stage. I enjoyed this step as it allowed the opportunity to put a finger on the issue that my Design Thinking group decided to tackle, which happened to be creating healthy food options in low-income neighborhoods. I am naturally a curious person; therefore, observing others and my surroundings is an activity that I relish. In addition, I believe that paying close attention and compiling your observations creates a natural segue to ideation.
IDEATE
The ideation phase is a free thinker's dream! I love the freedom and creativity brainstorming allows. No idea is too crazy or too silly to entertain. When there are no limits or boundaries, the possibilities are limitless. During the ideation phase for my Design Thinking group, we had an amazing time thinking of ideas and playing off of each other. Additionally, I believe that the ideation stage encourages a collaborative spirit and draws its participants closer together as they work together to find solutions to their problems.
IDEATE
HABIT OF MIND USED IN THIS STAGE
Using the Habit of Mind Taking Responsible Risks is perfect for ideation. Having the flexibility to create ideas that are "outside the box" is adventurous and exciting. Our society places many restrictions and rules on how we should think, speak, and act. Taking risks allows us the opportunity to throw those boundaries to the wind!
PROTOTYPE
PROTOTYPE
Prototyping is utilized to bring ideas to fruition. This phase is exhilarating as what was once an idea in someone's head is made tangible! Before learning about Design Thinking, I thought of the term prototype in relation to inventions and science; however, I now consider it a part of the thinking process.
HABIT OF MIND USED IN THIS STAGE
The Habit of Mind Persisting is ideal for this stage as the brainstorming and planning phases pave the way for experimentation. Persisting is imperative in all aspects of life. This course has been challenging as it includes aspects of education that were completely foreign to me. Persistence has been important as it affords the opportunity to persevere when novel concepts lead you to new and sometimes difficult territories.
TEST
The testing phase is the final stage, and it marks a celebratory point as all of the hard work finally pays off! It also includes an iterative element in which you can improve your prototype. My Design Thinking group has finally made it to this stage, and I must admit, it feels amazing to be here!
TEST
HABIT OF MIND USED IN THIS STAGE
The Habit of Mind Creating, Imagining, and Innovating has led to this amazing point. The testing stage may permit one to think the Design Thinking process is over, but it is not. Unexpected issues may arise at this time, so it is likely that creating, imagining, and innovating will continue to occur at this point. It is reassuring to know that these steps are still encouraged at the last stage.
OVERALL
CHALLENGES
This course has been quite challenging as I was often confused in regards to the assignments and expectations of my professor. However, I have always tried to view life's obstacles as lessons that are provided to encourage my personal growth. Curriculum Design for Childhood Education has given me the opportunity to grow mentally, emotionally, and professionally.
FINAL REFLECTIONS
To conclude, this course has been both enlightening and challenging. I especially enjoyed the reflective components of it as growth occurs when we can take a long "look in the mirror" and evaluate ourselves. I am appreciative of the fact that I have acquired new concepts and ideas to bring back to my colleagues and students.
THANK YOU AND I HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY DESIGN THINKING JOURNEY!
THANK YOU!