Week 3: Design Based Thinking
DESIGN BASED THINKING
Brown (2010) states that design based thinking (DBT) is based on observation, brainstorming ideas and creating prototypes. DBT is human centred, based on needs, goals and a strong belief that change can happen, despite the problem, time or budget (IDEO, 2012). IDEO (2012) provides a structured approach to creating ideas and DBT.
3D PRINTING, SKETCHUP AND DBT
Technology allows for experimenting with designs and visualising information by creating physical objects, compared with traditional paper and pencil work (Lacey, 2010; Vanscoder, 2014). 3D printing involves creating a digital drawing which forms layers to become a physical object (Wilson, 2013). Programs such as SketchUp use a range of tools which is suitable for students. SketchUp is a simple and flexible program that allows concepts to be developed for 3D modelling (SketchUp, 2019).
SketchUp allows students to demonstrate DBT through exploring their creative abilities, stepping out of their comfort zone and willingness to experiment. There are no limits to what can be achieved (Liveri, Xanthacou and Kaila, 2012), allowing for ‘discovery’ (IDEO, 2012). ‘Interpretation’ can be achieved through a field trip and conversation. Students brainstorm their ideas (ideation) and ‘experiment’ by building prototypes, helping them learn about the real world through active experimentation (Brown, 2010). ‘Evolution’ includes recording data and further developing the concept, which can be linked to KLAs.
An introduction to Google Sketchup:
3D printing and benefits:
PEDAGOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
Students can acquire divergent, problem solving, creative thinking and collaboration skills through digital design tasks. 3D printing can promote involvement in STEAM lessons and motivate students to consider related employment such as engineering and industrial design (Wilson, 2013).
Liveri., et al (2012) concluded that students who engaged in SketchUp were motivated and developed innovative ideas from diverse categories, compared to those using design tools. However, Erkoç, Erkoç, and Gecü, (2013) conveyed that SketchUp had no effect on students’ skills in mental rotation, compared to hand-drawn skills.
Teachers have an important role to promote DBT, such as modelling the process and providing feedback. In tutorial 3, the class were introduced to SketchUp and were given step by step instructions on the beginning stages of a house, which was effective in scaffolding the process and highly recommended. The tutor also inspired students with objects created from 3D printing. Teachers must be confident to introduce creative thinking (Liveri., et al, 2012), use and teach computer and 3D printing skills (Wilson, 2013).
References:
Brown, T. [University of Michigan]. (2010, August 25). Tim Brown – From Design to Design Thinking. . Retrieved 15/03/19 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=lGOTwFvkfhU
Erkoç, M. F., Erkoç, C., & Gecü, Z. (2013). The effects of using Google Sketchup on the mental rotation skills of eighth grade students. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 13(2), 1285-1294.
IDEO (2012). Design Thinking for Educators (2nd Edition). Available at: http://designthinkingforeducators.com/
Lacey, G. (2010). 3D printing brings designs to life. Tech Directions, 70(2), 17-19.
Liveri, A., Xanthacou, Y., & Kaila, M. (2012). The Google Sketch Up Software as a Tool to Promote Creativity in Education in Greece. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 69, 1110-1117.
Sketchup. (2019). https://www.sketchupaustralia.com.au
Vanscoder, J. (2014). 3D printing as a tool for teaching and Learning in STEAM education. In M. Searson & M. Ochoa (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2014 (pp. 188-191). Chesapeake, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Wilson, L. (2013). A new dimension [online]. Independence, 38(2), Oct 2013: 26, 28-32. Availability: <https://search-informit-com-au.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/documentSummary;dn=174656656208974;res=IELHSS> ISSN: 1324-2326.
Digital creativity and learning 
Hi Michelle, Sketchup sounds like a very creative program. Like you said, design thinking can really be displayed more extensively through 3D design rather than traditional pen and paper. With pen and paper, students are limited to the paper whereas with a 3D design program such as Sketchup, there are boundless opportunities for students to express their creativity. When their designs are later printed out using a 3D printer, students can literally see their designs come to life. I feel like Sketchup can even be used beyond the STEAM subjects. For example, in English, students can invent and design a new characters and settings and then write a narrative around the character and setting that they’ve designed. Like you said, step-by-step instructions should be given to students as it can be a complex program to master. Overall, I think this is a great design thinking tool to be used in the classroom. 😊
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Hi Michelle,
I think that ThinkPad is definitely a tool that could be incorporated into classrooms to promote design based thinking. Allowing students to openly design sparks their creative thinking skills and they find it even more fascinating when they print out their 3D designs. I do agree that teachers need to develop competence in using the tool in order to effectively guide and scaffold learning. Great work Michelle !
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