Program Overview
Design the Future is an immersive design-thinking experience where students practice empathy, problem framing, ideation, prototyping, and iteration. With partner facilitation from Design Tech High School, students engage in two build challenges that culminate in prototypes and short reflection videos.
- Two physical prototypes (one redesign + one open-build)
- One short vertical video (30–60 seconds) explaining the problem, solution, and learning
- Optional photo documentation for classroom or school showcase
Quick Facts
- Grades: 6–12 (adaptable for grades 4–5)
- Duration: ~3–3.5 hours
- Group size: 25–80 students
- Facilitation: Co-led with Design Tech High School
- Student grouping: Teams of 3–5
Timing and structure can be adapted to fit your bell schedule.
Learning Goals
Design Mindset
- Practice empathy-driven problem solving
- Reframe challenges into opportunities
- Iterate based on feedback
Future-Ready Skills
- Collaboration and communication
- Rapid prototyping and testing
- Creative confidence
Student Agency
- Ownership of ideas
- Building confidence through creating
- Seeing themselves as designers
Run of Show
- Welcome + design thinking kickoff
- Snack break
- Activity 1: Redesign a school essential
- Giveaway moment
- Activity 2: Open build (design anything)
- Snack break
- Student video reflection
- Share-out, reflection, closing giveaway
Activities
Activity 1: Redesign Challenge
Students redesign a common school item (such as a backpack, pencil pouch, or shoes) to solve a real student need.
- Empathy interview
- Problem definition
- Sketching and prototyping
- Mini share-out
Activity 2: Open Build
Teams choose a problem they care about and prototype a solution using physical and digital tools, including optional 3D printing.
- Ideation and decision-making
- Building and testing
- Iteration
Video Reflection (No Worksheets)
Instead of written worksheets, students record a short video reflection describing their problem, prototype, and what they learned. This creates authentic evidence of learning while reinforcing communication skills and confidence through creating.
Reflection Prompts
- What problem did you solve?
- What changed from your first idea?
- What feedback helped you improve?
Privacy-Friendly Options
- Film prototypes instead of faces
- Videos remain internal by default
- Public sharing only with permission
FAQ
Is this aligned to school standards?
Yes. The program supports project-based learning, collaboration, communication, and applied STEM skills while emphasizing confidence-building through creating.
What if we have limited time?
The experience can be shortened or expanded based on your schedule.
Do students need devices?
One device per team is ideal, but the program can adapt if needed.
Bring Design the Future to Your School
Request a Date
Email us your grade level, estimated student count, and preferred dates.
Email: michele@wonderfulfoundations.org
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