Design Thinking and Learning

In a seminar course required of students in my doctoral program, we spent a day on problem solving and creativity. Professor John Nash took us through an exercise that originated with the Stanford d.school where we used problem solving and then design thinking to create the perfect wallet for a student partner.

Our exercise included:

• Interviewing a partner to engage them and gather insights about wallet use
• Defining and articulating a point of view based on the interview insights
• Sketching new alternatives based on the point of view
• Testing ideas with our partner to gather feedback
• Acting on the feedback and building a wallet prototype from art supplies

This was a fun exercise that I think can be adapted for use with student leaders to encourage bigger picture thinking and processing. You can read more about the exercise and view a student interview at Nash’s blog.

November reign

November always seemed to me the Norway of the year. ~Emily Dickinson

That Emily. Always a kidder.

My nose is buried in school work and budget forecasting. Until I survive those tasks, enjoy this charming video. It made me smile. Be sure to stick with it, the best part is at 0:45.

Earning respect.

Delaney: Why are you doing this thing, Mom?

The research project? It's part of my degree. Getting a Ph.D. means learning to do research and find out new things.

Delaney: The Ph.D. means I can call you Dr. Mom?

Yes, it's the highest degree that I can earn and it is well respected in my work.

Delaney: That's perfect for you, Mom! You are already well respected.

Thank you, Delaney.