Design Thinking: A Guide to Innovation

Gr 7 Up–Empower readers to take their maker clubs and other school groups to the next level—one in which they actively contribute to their communities through their designs. Estes offers a practical guide to a six-step process of creative problem-solving: notice and reflect, empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test, all while emphasizing a growth mindset, collaboration, and communication skills. This methodology, widely used in corporate innovation and community development, is presented in a clear and accessible way, making it ideal for teens, educators, and community leaders who want to inspire youth to apply design thinking in creating real-world solutions. The writing motivates readers to reflect on their own ideas with examples that make the concepts relatable. While photos and illustrations are minimal, the book’s target audience and purpose do not require them. What distinguishes this book is its focus on practical, real-world applications. Estes includes examples of student projects, showing how collaboration and the design thinking process can lead to impactful solutions. Whether addressing local school issues or broader community issues, the book equips readers with tools to think critically and creatively, fostering innovation and teamwork. Further reading, a bibliography, source notes, glossary, index, and information about the book and author provide readers with additional resources and guide them toward further learning.