Design Thinking: Overview for Elementary Students

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that encourages individuals to empathize with end-users and define problems. One they identify problems, they ideate, prototype, and test potential solutions. The process has built-in opportunities to iterate solutions based on feedback. This methodology has become increasingly popular as a way to teach students how to think creatively and solve complex problems. In the elementary context, design thinking helps students develop valuable skills that they can use throughout their academic careers.

The first step in teaching design thinking is to introduce the concept of empathy. This involves helping students understand how to put themselves in the shoes of end-users and understand their needs and wants. This can be done through a variety of activities, such as role-playing, interviewing, and observing.

Once students have developed empathy for end-users, the next step is to define the problem at hand. This involves helping students clearly articulate the problem they are trying to solve. They must ensure that they have focused on a specific need. For example, if students are tasked with designing a new playground for their school, they might define the problem as “How can we create a playground that is safe and engaging for all students?”

Once students define the problem, they can begin ideating potential solutions. This is where they generate as many ideas as possible, without worrying about whether they are feasible or not. This process is important because it allows students to think outside the box. We recommend that students try brainstorming.

After ideation, students can begin to prototype and test their solutions. This involves creating a physical or digital representation of one of their ideas. They must then test it with the end-users to see if it meets their needs. This is a critical step in the design thinking process, as it allows students to get feedback and make improvements to their solutions.

Finally, students can iterate on their solutions based on feedback, making changes and improvements, until they have solutions that meets the needs of the end-users. They can repeat this process as many times as necessary, until they solve the problem.

Teaching design thinking in the elementary school context has many benefits. For one, it helps students develop critical thinking skills, such as problem-solving and decision-making. It also helps students develop their creativity. Additionally, teaching design thinking helps students develop empathy — a critical skill in today’s diverse and interconnected world.

There are many ways to incorporate design thinking into the elementary school curriculum. One way is to integrate it into existing subjects, such as science, math, and social studies. For example, students might use design thinking to create a new product for a science fair project, or to design a new monument for a social studies project.

Another way to teach design thinking is through extracurricular activities, such as after-school clubs or summer camps. These programs can provide students with a more immersive experience in design thinking and give them opportunities to work collaboratively with their peers.

Teaching design thinking in the elementary school context is a valuable way to help students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and empathy. By introducing students to the design thinking process and providing them with opportunities to practice it, educators can help prepare them for success in their academic and professional careers.

If you found this content helpful, you might enjoy this series of Imagineerz blog posts and check out Get Started with Design Thinking!