Lesson Outcomes
After completing this practical lesson, learners will be able to:
- Apply the five phases of the Design Thinking process
- Empathise with users and understand their needs
- Define clear and actionable problem statements
- Generate innovative ideas and solutions
- Develop prototypes for proposed solutions
- Test and improve solutions using feedback
Overview
Design Thinking is a human-centred approach to problem-solving that encourages creativity, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. The process focuses on understanding user needs, redefining problems, generating ideas, building prototypes, and testing solutions iteratively.
This practical lesson introduces learners to the five Design Thinking phases: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Learners will complete practical activities involving user research, brainstorming, prototype development, and testing innovative solutions within a collaborative environment.
Scenario: Improving Student Support Services
An educational institution wants to improve student support services by identifying challenges students experience during registration, communication, and accessing academic support resources.
A Design Thinking team consisting of administrators, students, developers, and support staff has been formed to investigate the problem and create innovative solutions that improve the student experience.
Learners are required to apply the Design Thinking process to analyse the problem, generate creative ideas, build prototypes, and test solutions collaboratively.
PA0201 — Empathize with Users
Tools/Resources
- Interview templates
- Observation records
- Survey forms
- User feedback tools
Activity Instructions
- Engage with users to understand their experiences and challenges.
- Conduct interviews, surveys, or observations.
- Listen actively without making assumptions.
- Record user needs, frustrations, and expectations.
- Summarise meaningful insights from the research.
Expected Outcome
User needs and challenges are understood successfully through empathy activities.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of interview or survey activities
- Screenshot of user observations
- Screenshot of summarised user insights
PA0202 — Define the Problem Statement
Tools/Resources
- User research findings
- Problem analysis templates
- Team collaboration tools
Activity Instructions
- Analyse the information gathered during the empathy stage.
- Identify the core problem affecting users.
- Create a clear and focused problem statement.
- Ensure the problem statement addresses a specific user need.
- Save the completed problem definition.
Expected Outcome
A clear and actionable problem statement is defined successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of problem analysis activities
- Screenshot of the defined problem statement
- Screenshot of recorded user needs
PA0203 — Ideate Innovative Solutions
Tools/Resources
- Brainstorming materials
- Mind mapping tools
- Team collaboration platforms
Activity Instructions
- Participate in brainstorming sessions.
- Generate a wide range of creative ideas and solutions.
- Challenge assumptions and explore alternative approaches.
- Combine and refine ideas collaboratively.
- Record all proposed solutions and workshop outcomes.
Expected Outcome
Innovative ideas and potential solutions are generated successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of brainstorming sessions
- Screenshot of mind maps or idea boards
- Screenshot of proposed innovative solutions
PA0204 — Develop Prototypes
Tools/Resources
- Prototyping software or materials
- Wireframing tools
- Design templates
Activity Instructions
- Select the most suitable solution ideas.
- Create simple prototypes or mock-ups of the proposed solution.
- Develop physical or digital representations of the idea.
- Refine prototypes collaboratively with team members.
- Save prototype designs and documentation.
Expected Outcome
Workable prototypes are developed successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of prototype designs
- Screenshot of prototype development activities
- Screenshot of saved prototype documentation
PA0205 — Test and Improve the Solution
Tools/Resources
- User testing tools
- Feedback forms
- Observation records
Activity Instructions
- Present the prototype solution to users or stakeholders.
- Collect feedback through observations, interviews, or surveys.
- Analyse test results and user responses.
- Identify areas requiring improvement.
- Refine and improve the solution based on feedback.
Expected Outcome
Prototype solutions are tested and improved successfully.
Evidence Required
- Screenshot of testing activities
- Screenshot of collected feedback
- Screenshot of improved or refined solutions
Key Notes
- Design Thinking focuses on user-centred problem-solving.
- Empathy improves understanding of user needs.
- Clear problem statements improve solution development.
- Brainstorming supports creativity and innovation.
- Prototypes help visualise ideas and solutions.
- Testing and feedback improve solution quality.