ABSTRACT
The chapter takes up how to stage design thinking challenges that put the processes and mindsets into action. Plans for design thinking challenges that help teachers and students start full design thinking experiences are presented. The chapter starts with some thoughts about how improvisation exercises can help start design thinking sessions and become a key feature of classroom design activities.
The three types of challenges outlined in this chapter are the Short, the Feature, and the Series. Shorts are 1-hour, fast-moving, yet complete design challenges. Features are full-length, intense challenges that may take 1–3 days. They are full-scope design challenges that might also integrate specific content activities. Series are unit-length design thinking challenges. Like other units, they may span a week to a month of classroom time and integrate standards-based content. An example and outline for each type of design challenge is presented along with tips on how to engage the challenges with younger or older students. Suggestions for how to integrate content skills that you will be infusing in design thinking activities set the stage for full design thinking challenges.
