4 A design thinking project using digital technologies

In this section you are presented with an example of a design thinking project that uses the applications you’ve been through in Section 3 to design and deliver the project. The structure and order of proposed activities are based on the Exten(DT)² Digital Design Thinking Model [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

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Figure 1a (repeated)  The Exten(DT)² Digital Design Thinking Model
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Challenge: Key concepts. What we already know.

Empathise and understand: What is it we do not know about the problem? What information do we need to gather? What do people say, do, think, feel about this problem? Tech: nQuire for students, ChoiCo, SorBET.

Define and ideate: How can we define the problem based on what people said? What are some prototypes we can create to help other people understand the problem? Tech: ChoiCo, SorBET, MaLT2, GearsBot.

Rapid prototyping and iteration: What is the prototype we will create? How can we iterate and improve it? Tech: ChoiCo, SorBET, MaLT2, GearsBot.

Sharing and feedback: What do other people think about our prototype? Can we make it work better? Tech: nQuire for students.

Respond and deliver: What changes shall we make to the prototype following feedback? Are we ready to ‘deliver’ it to the teacher? Tech: ChoiCo, SorBET, MaLT2, GearsBot.

Outcome: Artefact. New knowledge. Change in behaviour.

Figure 1a (repeated)  The Exten(DT)² Digital Design Thinking Model
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Figure 1b (repeated)  The Exten(DT)² Digital Design Thinking Model (interactive detailed version)
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The topic of the design thinking project is:

  • Reducing energy consumption at school

Students are presented with the following problem:

  • Our school is not environmentally friendly; we are consuming a lot of energy and this is shown on our monthly bills. What can we do to reduce energy consumption?

Let’s explore what students can do at each stage of design thinking.

Next, go to 4.1 Reducing energy consumption at school.

4.1 Reducing energy consumption at school