Design thinking is a dynamic, creative and collaborative approach to problem solving which presents a unique model for educators that want to help students learn from within the class rather than imparting knowledge at the head of it.

Design thinking has its roots in the design sector but as a method can be applied in a wide range of circumstances. It is a great tool for teaching 21st century skills since participants must problem-solve by assessing information, collaborating with others, and testing solutions in real world situations.

When you want to design thinking lesson plans, use the following steps will help with the process

1) Identify an Opportunity
2) Design
3) Prototype
4) Get Feedback
5) Scale and Spread
6) Present

Step 1: Identify an Opportunity

Identify an issue that is important to your school or community. For example, a civic concern or an environmental problem. The idea is to pick a need and move through the process; you can always refine the topic as you go.

Step 2: Design Process

Brainstorm some ideas; by the end of the process you should begin to see themes emerge. This process should be student-focused with real time feedback. Choose some ideas to focus on.

Step 3: Prototype Phase

Review the themes you have worked on and select one to prototype. This prototype needs only address one aspect of the problem as defined in Step 1. Pinpoint a student’s current skill level and set a target skill level with specific way-points to achieve the goal.

Step 3: Classroom Work

In the classroom use creative materials to let the students flesh out their ideas into physical prototypes. As students are creating, help them think more critically about their prototypes. How each feature helps to address the issue defined in Step 1, for example, and asking questions such as ‘How will the prototype work?’ and ‘Which tools are the best for the job?’.

Step 4: Receive Feedback

Next get students to share their prototypes with a panel of subject matter experts for feedback. This might include asking a social investor, who can assess whether there is a market for the product that would make a viable business. Ask each expert to review each prototype and give students explicit feedback on what works and what can be improved?

Step 5: Scale and Spread

Taking the feedback received, refine the prototype even further. Assuming the product is potentially successful, ask students about the best way to manufacture it and market it and how to ramp this up at scale if it is successful?

Step 6: Present to Investors

Get the students to present their prototypes and see if they are viable for building them into commercial products. Pitching them to potential investors is a great way to do this.

Applying design thinking lesson plans is an effective way to prepare students for situations they are likely to address in the real world.