Design Thinking Methodologies: Backpack Design
In this mini-project, we learned how to incorporate the Design Thinking Methodologies into an art project. The Design Thinking Methodologies are empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test, and revise. In many jobs involving creativity and design, this process is used daily. In order to understand the problem or concept, one must empathize with the consumer or target audience. Then, the problem must be defined in order to know how to begin solving it. The ideation process involves open, uninhibited creativity, in which everyone contributes their ideas, big or small, on how to solve the problem. Once the ideas are narrowed down to one solution, a prototype is made, tested, and revised if needed.
As a team, we had to discuss what things we liked/disliked about our backpacks (empathizing with the consumer). We then discussed our idea of a perfect backpack and drew out a design. We wrote down all of our ideas, whether they were rational, small, or completely outrageous. There were no limits to our design, so our Mary Poppins, personalized, memory foam, anti-gravity backpack covered in pockets was virtually impossible to build. We did draw it out clearly, though, with the hopes that one day it would be possible.
I enjoyed this project because it taught me how to incorporate the Design Thinking Methodologies into a group project setting. We had to work together and communicate, and even though this was a small project, I will take what I learned and apply it to my future projects and (hopefully) careers.
As a team, we had to discuss what things we liked/disliked about our backpacks (empathizing with the consumer). We then discussed our idea of a perfect backpack and drew out a design. We wrote down all of our ideas, whether they were rational, small, or completely outrageous. There were no limits to our design, so our Mary Poppins, personalized, memory foam, anti-gravity backpack covered in pockets was virtually impossible to build. We did draw it out clearly, though, with the hopes that one day it would be possible.
I enjoyed this project because it taught me how to incorporate the Design Thinking Methodologies into a group project setting. We had to work together and communicate, and even though this was a small project, I will take what I learned and apply it to my future projects and (hopefully) careers.