Design Based Thinking – 3D Printing Technology

Design Based thinking

Cross, defines designed based thinking as design intelligence. The Process “involves ‘deep reflective interaction’ on problems and solutions, and the capacity of flexibility and the ability to switch between thinking and doing” (Cross 2011).  In order to accomplish this process, students use the skills of re-organizing to be decode information in a process called re-framing. This skill incorporates conducting research to find data, and investigating problem data to generate patterns that aim to propose likely solutions (Cross 2011). Robin Vande Zande upholds that teaching design based skills to students can influence student learning capabilities though a 6-step design process: “Define the Problem è Investigate and research è Generate Ideas è Make the Prototype è Present Solutions è Evaluate and Revise” (Vande Zande et al 2014).  Design based thinking streams from the idea that contemporary problems cannot be solved using traditional problem solving approaches, as new or contemporary problems require new or contemporary skills (Dorst 2015).

Design based thinking in the classroom:

Using the design process outlined above, students begin by defining the problem, investigate and research, generate ideas, create, present solution and reflect. During this process students are able to visualise their thinking, which fosters student creativity in forming the solution, as they can visually formulate and organise their ideas (Laurillard, 2012). 

Using 3D design and technology such as Makers Empire can be used in accordance with this process as it offers students the opportunities to digitally and visually engage with the creation and design process. This application also allows students to print a 3D model or prototype allowing for hands on investigation and modification.

References:

Cross, N. (2011). Design thinking: Understanding how designers think and work. Oxford: Berg.

Dorst, K. (2015). Frame innovation: Create new thinking by design. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press

Laurillard, D. (2012). Chapter 5 – What it takes to teach. In Teaching as a Design Science – Building Pedagogical Patterns for Learning and Technology (pp. 64-81). NY: Routledge.

Vande Zande, R., Warnock, L., Nikoomanesh, B., & Van Dexter, K. (2014). The Design Process in the Art Classroom: Building Problem-Solving Skills for Life and Careers. Art Education, 20-27. Retrieved October 27, 2015.