I understand....

Question:  Do you have trouble finding meaningful and dynamic problems to tackle with using design thinking?  This was a question posed to me after the Extreme by Design Screening and Panel discussion at Georgia Tech this past week.  I understand the question in context especially in light of trying to incorporate this concept of design thinking into your teaching, your classroom, your grade, let alone your whole school.  I understand the question in light of trying to find and encourage followers of this "new" and "strange" methodology. I understand the need to make an impact instantly or let your efforts be for naught or even worse be thought of a waste of time.  I understand... My response to the question was immediate and with not much thought.... "Oh no, I can find DT Challenges all over the place, in front of me, in the classroom, in a textbook, in the curriculum, reading newspaper, walking down the street, etc...." ( I have not learned the art of pausing before answering)  Everywhere I go, I see design thinking challenges, design problems, and well just opportunity to improve, inquire, and rethink.   I never think of impact or meaningfulness (not sure if that is too honest of a statement).  What I look for, for my students are opportunities for them to see, look, ask questions, and understand. Then, find solutions through their understanding.

I don't have the problem of not finding problems for my students to solve. The problem I have is students getting the opportunities "to find the problems".   I do not want to be the teacher who puts the problem in the students hands and say solve it.

In DEEP, typically the problem presents itself in the Empathize mode when designers are defining their POV.   Designers are presented with a topic and it is up to them to Dive DEEP to see where it leads them...   This is what makes design thinking so powerful, self-driven, and user-centered.  It's also (if allowed through time and space) an opportunity for designers to completely miss their mark and have to do it all over again. #Failup

I understand the need to craft and detail the perfect scenario and set the stage to solve a problem for your students so as the outcome will result in change, a possible ripple effect, and maybe just maybe the polished creation of the solution.  I just don't have the time or desire to put it in a box.  I want my students to take the nugget I set before them or better yet the see the pebble or boulder in front of them and do something about it....  It is the "do something" that I understand is what's scary about DEEP design thinking....