Four traits necessary for design thinking

via Don Buckley at NYSAIS STEAMCamp:

1: Observe. Watch for surprising or interesting stimuli.

• Take notes, watch how people interact with physical objects (iPhone, laptop or books)

2: Question. Ask questions that impose / remove constraints.

• How would you drive a car if steering wheels didn’t exist? How could you build your project to keep it under two pounds?

3: Network. Interact with people from various backgrounds.

• Try eating lunch with a different classmate. Learning about others leads to a greater empathy; a key component to design thinking.

4: Experiment. Complicate your life by trying new things

• Try taking a new route home, or try cooking a new meal. Adding variety to your life can change your view and open your eyes to new inspirations