What is Design-Based Thinking?
Design-based thinking involves creating innovative solutions to a problem thus making it a process of creative and critical thinking with collaboration and problem solving (Aflatoony et al., 2017; Burnette, 2005). Design thinking and its process is conceptualised by a number of different models but the one below by IDEO exhibits this process with five ordered stages. Although this model is ordered, it is important to consider that the process of design-based thinking is not always consecutive and structured in nature.
Design-based Thinking in the Classroom
Design-based thinking skills and the design process can be learned through a range of pedagogical approaches including problem-based learning, project-based learning and inquiry learning in classrooms (Aflatoony et al., 2017). The model of Design Thinking for Educators by IDEO is a good structural approach for educators to consider when scaffolding design-based thinking in the classroom. The model highlights and exhibits what can be involved in each stage of the design process. Educators should take into account that the process of design thinking is multidisciplinary as different stages involve a number of different set of skills and resources (Koh et al.,, 2015). The different phases can include sketches, drawings, making use of models, simulations, prototypes (Koh et al., 2015) thus a variety of different digital technologies can be employed for the stages of the design thinking process. This fosters creativity as students are encouraged to think divergently and problem-solve across disciplines while also working collaboratively.
3D Printing
“Students engaging in 3D printing activities have exhibited benefits such as playfulness and self-expression…”
Berman et al., 2016
A digital technology that could be incorporated during the ideation stage of the design process is 3D Printing. Using SketchUp, individuals can electronically construct ideas into models, replicating a hand-crafting process to a digital process (Cline, 2014). 3D printing allows students to think spatially as they imagine and produce a tangible product through a scaffolded design thinking process (Berman et al., 2016). Students are also working collaboratively when creating and finalising their 3D printing models as they are forced to adjust their models and designs in conformance with the 3D printer. The use of 3D printing in the design-based thinking process is embedded throughout ideation, experimentation and evolution (IDEO, 2012).
3D printing is able to foster creativity as it can be used by educators in a number of KLA’s such as Mathematics (3D space, measurement and geometry) , Science (creating models), History and Geography (creating models and artefacts). It is also able to foster creativity as students are using a platform which allows for self-expression and modelling while also allowing for mistakes to be deleted or reconstructed compared to creating a physical 3D model without a digital technology platform. Berman et al., also examines that 3D printing in the educational context has led to student empowerment, improved self-esteem, self-expression and playfulness that is associated with making (2016).
An example of a 3D printing model I created on SketchUp which I really enjoyed making is below.
Therefore, 3D printing can be utilised to be an integral part of the design thinking process in the classroom where students are engaging in active and meaningful learning.
References
Aflatoony, L., Wakkary, R., & Neustaedter, C. (2017). Becoming a Design Thinker: Assessing the Learning Process of Students in a Secondary Level Design Thinking Course. International Journal Of Art & Design Education, 37(3), 438-453. https://doi.org/10.1111/jade.12139
Berman, A., Deuermeyer, E., Nam, B., Chu, S., & Quek, F. (2018). Exploring the 3D printing process for young children in curriculum-aligned making in the classroom. Proceedings Of The 17Th ACM Conference On Interaction Design And Children. https://doi.org/10.1145/3202185.3210799
Cline, L. (2014). SketchUp for interior design. Wiley.
IDEO (2012). Design Thinking for Educators (2nd Edition). Available at: http://designthinkingforeducators.com/
Koh, J. H. L., Chai, C. S., Wong, B., & Hong, H. Y. (2015). Design thinking and education. In Design thinking for education (pp. 1-15). Springer, Singapore.
Digital Creativity 
Hi Alayna,
Thank you for your informative blog post about design-based thinking and 3D printing. You captured some interesting insights about how 3D printing can be utilised effectively in the classroom. You included several quality references to research and theory. Next time it would be great to hear more about your own person experience using the technology and some examples of how you could apply what you’ve learn across different parts of the curriculum and KLAs.
Thanks,
Rebecca
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Alayna,
What a great blog post on Design-Based thinking. Your post informed me of some great features and explained 3D-Printing to a level in which I didn’t previously understand. I was especially interested in your section that looked at how this can be implemented into the classroom. I agree with what Rebecca said, I believe this post will be even greater once more detail on personal experience is included. Overall, This is a fantastic post! from reading this, I would love to experiment more with 3D printing.
Patrick
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Hi Alayna,
It was great reading your perspective on how 3D printing can help foster creativity especially with the concepts of design thinking. Your little 3D quote by Berman et al. was a cute little touch. Something I would love to know maybe for future posts is possible examples of how you personally would wanna try and implement 3D printing or future technologies into your classroom in order to foster creativity. Other than that, great post!
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Hi Alayna,
Design thinking and 3D printing are very intriguing concepts that can be very useful to teachers in the classroom in fostering student creativity and learning. SketchUp is such a cool resource to foster this and I like how you have highlighted how this enables students to explore their creativity.
I also like how you have outlined where this can be included in the curriculum whilst alluding to how this can be done as wells. I had not thought of how 3D printing and designing could be used in history and geography however it’s a really interesting idea to include this.
Insightful Blog Post
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