Characteristics of an effective secondary school design thinking curriculum

Authors

  • Leila Aflatoony Simon Fraser University
  • Ron Wakkary Simon Fraser University
  • Andrew Hawryshkewich Simon Fraser University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.1626

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of course materials, design methods and teaching strategies in a design thinking-based curriculum. As part of a multiple case study, we developed, ran and studied an interaction design course for Canadian students in grade 9 and grade 10 (14–15 years old). We gathered qualitative data in the forms of interviews of students and teachers at the end of each class and at the end of the course, and we observed their activities and performance throughout the course. We also evaluated the curriculum by tracking the changes we made and justifying the intentions behind these curriculum modifications in the context of the research. From this research, three main curriculum characteristics were found to be essential for a design thinking course to be effective and engaging: experiential activities, real-world applications and characterised consequences. We recommend that design educators consider these characteristics.

Author Biographies

Leila Aflatoony, Simon Fraser University

Dr. Leila Aflatoony is a design researcher and sessional instructor in the School of Interactive Arts & Technology at Simon Fraser University. Her research interests include interaction design and methods, user-centred design, human-computer interaction, design thinking, and design education.

Ron Wakkary, Simon Fraser University

Dr. Ron Wakkary is a Professor in the School of Interactive Arts & Technology at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia and a Visiting Professor and Chair of the Impact of Interaction Design on Everyday Life at the Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e) in the Netherlands.

Andrew Hawryshkewich, Simon Fraser University

Andrew Hawryshkewich is a senior lecturer in the School of Interactive Arts & Technology at Simon Fraser University who lectures primarily in design-related topics.  

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Published

2018-12-10

How to Cite

Aflatoony, L., Wakkary, R., & Hawryshkewich, A. (2018). Characteristics of an effective secondary school design thinking curriculum. FormAkademisk, 11(5). https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.1626

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