Design

Design is the subject in which the Middle School students learn the concept of design thinking. Every project we do follows the Design Cycle, which is divided into four phases.

Phase “Inquiring and Analyzing”

This is the moment in which we delve into the challenge. What is it? Why do we have it? Who is involved? Where is it? Is this part of just a group of people, or is it a general problem that everyone can encounter in their lives? Inquiry and Analyzing is a phase full of questions and wonder.

Phase “Developing Ideas”

During this phase we start to think through various solutions to the challenge. Usually each student arrives at one or two personal solutions. And, once the solutions are discussed in a classroom setting, it is incredibly rewarding how they interconnect with those of our peers, and may even change. During this phase, there is a great deal of collaboration and active listening.

Phase “Evaluating”

This is the moment in which the final solution is applied, and the consequences are evaluated.

Thanks to the Design Cycle, students are the protagonists of their learning process, and they learn how failure can be a learning moment. Students learn how to overcome emotions and find different solutions. Students become independent in finding new and creative ways to solve problems.

Phase “Creating the Solution”

Once we finish brainstorming our solutions, a final decision needs to be made. This is the moment when one solution is selected, taking into account many interrelated factors.

A unique feature of this Design Cycle is that there is no starting or finishing point. These phases can be mixed in the process and the fact that it is not a straight line, but a circle, makes everything more interesting and creative for the students and the teachers.

This year the Middle School students were able to use the Design Cycle on various projects:

• Organizing a theoretical trip to Italy. Within this cycle they learned about graphic design and were asked to create their own magazines.

• Designing their own house in a specific ecosystem.

• Organizing the winter concert, put on by the school.

• Creating displays around the theme “history of animation” for the

La Scuola Exhibition.