Solving Problems Through Design Thinking

Year 6 Technology WALT: Understand the design thinking process and how it helps solve real-world problems sustainably

Think About It...

Have you ever had to solve a problem? Maybe making something better at home? Or helping the environment at school? What did you do?

What is Design Thinking?

A special process to solve problems Helps us understand people's needs Creates better solutions Makes our world more sustainable

The 5 Stages of Design Thinking

Stage 1: Empathise

Understand the people you're designing for Listen to their feelings and needs Ask questions like 'How do you feel?' Example: Talk to students about water waste at school

Stage 2: Define

Clearly state the problem Use what you learned from empathising Make it specific and focused Example: 'Students waste water because taps don't turn off easily'

Let's Practice: Stages 1 & 2

Work in groups of 4-5 Problem: Our school wants to save water during recess Empathise: Who is affected by water waste? Define: What exactly is the problem? Use your graphic organiser to record ideas

Stages 3, 4 & 5: Create and Test

IDEATE: Brainstorm lots of creative ideas PROTOTYPE: Build or draw your best ideas TEST: Try them out and see what works Keep improving based on what you learn!

Remember

Design thinking helps us solve problems by understanding people, being creative, and never giving up! Every great solution started with someone caring about a problem.