Design Thinking Sprint

AllOne class period (45-50 minutes)none required

Goal

Apply a full creative problem-solving process under time pressure.

Introduce the 5-step design thinking process: Empathize (5 min), Define (5 min), Ideate (10 min), Prototype (15 min), Test (10 min). Present a real school problem (e.g., lunchroom crowding, homework s...

How It Works

  1. Introduce the 5-step design thinking process: Empathize (5 min), Define (5 min), Ideate (10 min), Prototype (15 min), Test (10 min). Present a real school problem (e.g., lunchroom crowding, homework stress, social isolation).

  2. Groups sprint through all 5 stages in one session, producing a rough physical prototype. Present prototypes.

  3. Debrief the process, not just the product: Which stage was hardest?

  4. What would you do with more time?

Why It Works

Design thinking is one of the most well-established frameworks for teaching adaptability, creativity, and user-centered problem-solving.

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