Why Design Thinking? ...Empathy

(This blog post was originally posted Dec. 16, 2013. I had taken it offline because it got stuck on my slider on the top of my site. Here's hoping it is not so buggy anymore.) This afternoon,  my awesome twitterfeed was humming along when @emilybriete tweeted the following tweet:

I know I have seen this clip tweeted before and I think I might have retweeted it as well in hopes to take a timeout to watch.... So this afternoon, I took that moment to watch the clip.   I am thankful I did take that timeout.  So much so, I even posted the video on my Facebook page with the following wall post:

Screen Shot 2013-12-15 at 8.09.23 PM

Yes, the power of design thinking is varied and debatable.  Problem solving, communication, creativity, shifting mindsets, breaking down old models of learning/instruction,  revitalizing physical and mental spaces, collaboration, I believe this list could continue.  For me, the power of design thinking is empathy.  It is why I think its impact has magnitude, depth, and what's that thing people always question, oh yes, scalability.  I do, teach, practice, and infuse the methodology of design thinking (which I admit I am far from an expert, more like a novice IMHO) in as many areas of my profession as I can. I am even guilty of applying these methos to my personal life.  And the why is because of empathy.  The more I can connect and understand the person across from me, the closer I can lessen the distance between us, and be in a better position  to do something or better yet just be with that person.

Why design thinking for my students? Imagine what our students will be and do when they are older by learning design thinking when they are young.  Empathy for others in a world that is ever changing, running at mock speed, and well, pulling us further and further away physically and socially through hand-held devices and computer screens (IMO), might just keep us from doing this thing alone.  I want my students to show up, to be there for others and make an impact in this world. I want them to be present for another human being...

Yes, I speak in extremes and well a bit of hyperbole.  However, I feel if children learn, practice, and receive empathy young, I know the future will be better, people will stay connected, and real problems will be solved and not with a band-aid.  So when I posted this video on the Power of Empathy on my Facebook page, I meant it when I said, " I want my children to become design thinkers."  How could I not?

Dive Deepmary cantwell