Design Thinking Through Code

You may not know it, but everyone uses design thinking processes multiple times a day. Anytime there is a problem that needs to be solved or someone’s needs to be met, you perform a process similar to the principles of design thinking. This course will equip students with 21st-century skills as they are formally introduced to design thinking through coding a game for a “client” of their choice. Students will have fun engaging with and learning about their chosen “client” and learn and practice foundational programming skills in a human-centered approach to design.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to program a computer game using Scratch Programming
• The principles of Design Thinking and how they have been used and can be used to solve real-world problems.
• How to use Design Thinking to create a video game with a personal client (a.k.a. customer).

WHAT YOU’LL CREATE:

• Your own computer programming functions as you learn the Scratch block-coding program
• A Frogger-type (or one of your choice) game using Scratch for a client of your choice
• A computer game you can add to your resume and online portfolio.

ASSOCIATED 21st CENTURY SKILLS:

• Creativity
• Design thinking
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Perseverance
• Communication
• And more…

ASSOCIATED CAREERS:

• Software Engineer/Developer
• Video Game Programmer
• Data Analyst
• Web Developer
• And many more…

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

• PC: Windows 7 or higher
• Mac: OSX 10.7 or higher
• Yes, Chromebook compatible
• Free Scratch account