Recently, our school has embarked on an exciting project to uncover our school mascot using the design thinking method. The goal of this process is to pick a mascot that truly represents our school spirit and to provide our students with valuable skills in critical thinking, empathy, and creative problem-solving. Below is the process which the students are being guided through.
Our Design Thinking Journey
Step 1: Empathize - Understanding Our School's Identity
We began by immersing our students in the language and values that define our school. They explored concepts like growth mindset, risk-taking, creativity, flexible thinking, and curiosity. This foundation allowed them to brainstorm additional words that captured the experience they wanted to have at our school.
To broaden their perspective, students then delved into the world of mascots. They researched popular local mascots and discovered the rich histories behind these choices. This exploration helped them understand the importance of a mascot in representing a community's identity and values.
The empathy phase culminated in a series of interviews. Students not only reflected on their own experiences but also interviewed various staff members. This exercise in empathy allowed them to see our school through different lenses and gather diverse viewpoints.
Step 2: Define - Crystallizing Our Vision
With a load of ideas and feedback from our community, students began to synthesize their findings. They identified key characteristics and values that they felt best represented our school and what we aspire to be. This crucial step helped focus their efforts and ensure that their mascot ideas would be meaningful and representative.
Step 3: Ideate - Bringing Ideas to Life
Armed with a clear understanding of our school's identity, students let their creativity soar. They proposed a wide range of mascot ideas, each embodying different aspects of what makes our school unique. The emphasis was on quantity and diversity of ideas, encouraging students to think outside the box and consider unconventional options. They then worked on drawing their favorites.
Step 4: Prototype - From Concept to Visual
The excitement was palpable as students began to bring their mascot ideas to life through visual representations. This stage not only allowed them to refine their ideas but also taught valuable lessons about visual communication and the power of imagery in conveying complex ideas.
Step 5: Test - Gathering Feedback and Iterating
With their mascot prototypes ready, students sought feedback from peers, teachers, and staff. This critical stage taught them the importance of constructive criticism and the iterative nature of the design process. Many students found themselves revising and improving their initial concepts based on the insights they gathered.
6. Implement: Making the Case (We are here)
In the final stage of our process our students are writing formal proposals for their mascot ideas. This exercise in persuasive writing and presentation skills is invaluable, as students learned to articulate their thoughts clearly and make a compelling case for their chosen mascot.
The Impact: More Than Just a Mascot
While the end goal is to select a school mascot, the true value of this project lays in the journey itself. Students developed critical thinking skills as they analyze different mascot options. They practice empathy by considering diverse perspectives. Their creativity was challenged and expanded through the ideation and prototyping phases.
Moreover, this project fosters a sense of ownership and pride in our school community. By involving students in every step of the process, we ensure that the chosen mascot will be one that truly resonates with them and represents our collective vision for our school.