The Design Thinking Process

A human-centred approach to solving problems creatively

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1. Empathise

Understand the user's needs, thoughts, and feelings. Who are you designing for?

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Clearly state the problem you are trying to solve based on your user's needs.

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Brainstorm a wide range of creative solutions and ideas. Think outside the box!

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Build a simple, low-cost version of your solution to see how it works.

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Get feedback from users on your prototype. What works? What doesn't?

Design Thinking is a cycle! You often go back to earlier steps based on what you learn.

Apply the Design Thinking process to design a better school bag for students.

1. Empathise: What are the problems with current school bags?

(Interview a friend or think about your own experience)

2. Define: What is the main problem you want to solve?

3. Ideate: Brainstorm 3-5 features for your new bag design.

4. Prototype: Draw a quick sketch of your new school bag design.

5. Test: How would you get feedback on your design?

Achievement Objective: DT4-1

Understand how technological systems are created to meet needs

NZC (2007) · Science essence statement: Science is a way of investigating, understanding, and explaining our natural, physical world and the wider universe. It involves generating and testing ideas, gathering evidence – including by making observations, carrying out investigations and modelling, and communicating and debating with others – in order to develop scientific knowledge, understanding, and explanations.
Pairing chosen by this resource: This resource chooses to teach that science alongside mātauranga Māori, which stands as a knowledge system in its own right — the pairing is this resource's own approach, not a quotation from the curriculum.
Identity, Culture, and Organisation: Understand how different knowledge systems — including mātauranga Māori — shape how communities relate to the natural world.