Design thinking is a problem-solving methodology that focuses on empathy and understanding the needs of the user. By teaching students to approach problems from a human-centered perspective, they learn to develop solutions that are tailored to the needs of the people they are trying to help. 

Design thinking can help foster a challenging intellectual environment for kids to develop their creativity. When facilitated with the right guidelines, it allows students to come up with innovative and wide-ranging ideas by encouraging them to think outside the box.

Brainstorming together and learning to build off each other's ideas will help students build teamwork and communication skills. It can also help students feel more confident in their ideas and their ability to contribute to a group project. By creating a safe and supportive environment in which to brainstorm, staff can help their students become more creative and confident problem-solvers, well-versed in empathy and systems thinking.

For guidance on brainstorming, and a variety of other approaches on creative, empathetic, and informed problem solving, check out IDEO’s Field Guide to Human-Centered Design below.