Design Thinking Challenge

Your team has been selected to develop something wearable or portable that would help refugees on their travels. Backpacks are a fairly common solution to this challenge, but typically they are not available, so maybe think more creatively. Currently, we see many refugees walking with a shopping bag or small suitcase. Your team needs to design something that would address some of the basic needs and help families to make their journey to a better future.

Following the steps you learned about in Design Thinking, Part I, you and your partner will create a design journal and prototype that addresses the challenge. After you complete the steps, you will submit the journal and a picture of your prototype in order to complete the module.

Notes:

• The Empathy stage of Design Thinking isn’t limited to interviews. Consider finding YouTube of news clip, documentaries, or vlogs. For adventurous types, there are also a number of Atlanta-based refugee centers who might provide insightful information.
• You and your partner will each submit a design journal and picture, but it can be the same design journal and picture.

Success Determinants

Success will be determined by the degree to which your design solution:

• Addresses the design challenge
• Addresses an identifiable need
• Uses the provided materials, resources, and tools
• Is helpful and unique for refugees

Parameters

• You can use items from the makerspace and ones you bring with you.
• Your prototype can be a scale version rather than actual size.