ABSTRACT
Start-to-finish design challenges are one method for bringing design thinking into the classroom. A rationale for alternative approaches is suggested and discussed. The authors call this an à la carte design thinking approach. They suggest this is a way to quickstart design thinking by choosing activities and lessons that take up short-burst, standalone lessons that may highlight specific parts of the design process or particular mindsets. Initiating design thinking in an à la carte way allows teachers and their students to begin building their design muscles. This approach can build confidence and is strongly recommended for beginners. Teachers can start with aspects of the design process that are in their comfort zone, or with exercising some of the student-friendly mindsets such as embracing empathy, collaborating across boundaries, and working in spite of ambiguities. Design activities that can help teachers and students get started are presented.
