ADST: Design Thinking/Human-Centred Design Thinking

As I read through the processes of Design Thinking and Human Centered Design thinking, I couldn’t help but think about Grace and Frankie's adventure developing a prototype toilet for elders called “Rise Up”. The comical journey begins in season six, when Frankie empathizes with Grace’s inability to get off the toilet due to knee problems. Frankie begins to recognize the commonality of this experience and decides she wants to create an invention. Within the first few episodes of the season, we can see Frankie defines potential users as the elderly. With some struggle, she eventually convinces Grace to join her in finding a solution to the toilet problem. Grace reluctantly agrees and the two begin to brainstorm potential solutions (ideate). Eventually, they come up with a prototype created with hydraulics titled “Rise Up”. In the finale episodes of season 6, they share their invention on Shark Tank. Not only go Grace and Frankie find investors, but they help me consolidate the information I learned in my Teacher Librarian as a Tech Leader Course. And, once again, the power of a text to text connection is exemplified.

The Design Thinking and Human Centered Design Thinking inquiry strategies are also used in the real world by innovative companies looking to design something new or solve problems. Again and again, we have seen young students being recognized for solving problems around the globe. In the school setting, the Design Thinking and Human Centered Design inquiry strategies encourage students to think outside the box. Both approaches have multiple benefits as they promote empathy, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and innovation; skills, that I believe are necessary for the 21st century lifelong learner.

The Design Thinking inquiry strategy can be seen in action at the Maine Middle School in Portland, Maine in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i17F-b5GG94

While I am new to the district and hold a TTOC position, it’s hard for me to conceptualize whether my potential colleagues, would work towards implementing a project like they did at Maine Middle School. This would depend on several factors which I believe vary from one school to another. First, the success of initiating such a project would depend on my relationship with other staff. As a teacher-librarian, I would advocate for such projects but it likely will take time to build relationships with the staff and get that sense of “buy-in”. I believe the success of such a project would also depend on the school/library budget for such projects. In addition, I’m sure administrative support would also play a factor in whether such goals can be attained.

All those factors aside, I would definitely work towards implementing the Design Thinking/Human Centered Design Thinking Strategies in my school library.

Works Cited

Averill, Sandra, and Stacey Bernier. Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Design Thinking & Human-Centred Design Thinking. ISSUU, 2017.

“Maine School Engages Kids With Problem-Solving Challenges.” YouTube, PBS NewsHour, 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=i17F-b5GG94.