Something to Hold
I am not sure how to accurately describe the below google doc. I am sharing it because I have been asked several times, "How as a Teacher would I go about running a DEEPdt challenge inside my classroom?" To me, I have an outline of touchpoints I want my designers to tackle during a challenge. However, #DEEPdt challenges should never be etched in stone as the User is the true guide and the process/approach needs to be fluid enough to easily pivot on a moments notice. I created this google doc to guide others through the meats and potatoes of a #DEEPdt challenge for teachers in need of something to hold and help them through the process. For me, this stuff is in my head, I can see the beginning, middle, end of a challenge without all of this text. I understand others are just not there yet and need something to grasp. (disclaimer: the gdoc paints a solid picture of knowing the end result/product... I argue that it is not that simple as the Users the designers encounter will direct the outcomes of this challenge. However, some teachers need this full scaffolding to feel confident to even get started...(I am designing for my Users) hopefully through the practice of design thinking the reins of this need will eventually loosen) This document was written for a team of four Second grade teachers thus some of the info might be a bit overkill as their experience and comfort with DEEPdt is varied. I also weaved Visible Thinking routines into this challenge as this is a normal practice in my approach to DEEPdt challenges.
This gdoc is called #DEEPdt Urban Garden + Bird Sanctuary 2nd Grade. This design challenge came about because our students were going to a local urban garden. What an awesome Discover launch pad to not only learn about gardens and growing vegetables/plants but to also learn the needs and whys behind an urban garden. Another aspect to this launch point is how might we connect it back to our own backyard and an ongoing design of the bird sanctuary built the previous year by 2nd graders.