What is Design Thinking?

  • At East Wake iTech & Design Magnet High School, we use Design Thinking as a student-centered approach to learning. Design Thinking is a creative problem-solving process that encourages students to look at real-world challenges, generate innovative solutions, and test their ideas in meaningful ways. 
    Design Thinking is not a straight line — it’s a cycle. You often go back to earlier steps (like Empathize or Ideate) as you learn more. It’s all about solving real problems in a human-centered, creative way.

    Design Thinking Process with description of each step: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test

    Why It Matters:

    Design Thinking is more than just a process — it’s a mindset. It teaches students to be innovators, collaborators, and problem-solvers. By moving through this cycle, they learn how to empathize with others, think critically, and persist through challenges. These skills prepare students for success in college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.
     
    At East Wake, Design Thinking is woven into learning across all subject areas. Whether students are designing solutions in a science lab, brainstorming projects in social studies, or prototyping in a technology class, they are developing the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Two students use cardboard and tape to make a structure on a table.
Student artwork is displayed
A student focuses on using a 3-D pen to create an object.