Design Thinking

Title: Inclusive Classroom Redesign: A Design Thinking-Based Prototype

Objective: Apply the Design Thinking methodology to co-create an inclusive educational environment
that supports diverse learners with disabilities, different cultural backgrounds, and varying learning
styles- by improving classroom design, resources, and teaching practices.

Description: This initiative follows the five stages of design thinking: Empathize, Define, Ideate,
Prototype, and Test. A cross-functional team (educators, students, parents, designers) collaborates to
redesign a typical classroom environment into an inclusive learning space.

The process includes conducting interviews with stakeholders, identifying barriers to inclusion,
brainstorming creative solutions, prototyping classroom layout changes and tools (physical or digital),
and testing them with real users to refine based on feedback.

Materials/Resources Required:

Collaboration Tools:

• Miro/MURAL for brainstorming

• Google Forms/Sheets for survey data

User Research Tools:

• Interview templates

• Empathy maps

Prototype Tools:

• Cardboard, paper, whiteboards (for physical space layout)

• Canva/Figma (for digital tool mockups)

Accessibility Guidelines:

• WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles

Test cases:

Stage Activities Test Cases

TC1: Empathy Validation – Check that the

Conduct interviews and
pain points, needs, and preferences of at
Empathize observations with diverse
least 5 user personas are documented
students, parents, and teachers.
clearly.
 Stage Activities Test Cases

TC2: Problem Clarity – Ensure the problem

Synthesize insights into a problem
statement reflects user voices and focuses
Define statement that reflects actual
on key equity gaps and learning
barriers to inclusion.
environment limitations.

Conduct ideation sessions to TC3: Idea Diversity Check – Ensure at least

brainstorm a wide range of 10 distinct, diverse, and inclusive solution
Ideate
solutions (physical, pedagogical, ideas are captured from multidisciplinary
technological). participants.

Create low-fidelity models of TC4: Prototype Usability Check – Validate

proposed interventions (e.g., that the prototypes address the problem
Prototype
sensory zones, adaptive tools, and are accessible and safe for intended
visual cues). student use.

TC5: User Feedback Analysis – Gather

Pilot the solutions with end-users qualitative feedback from at least 3 user
Test
and gather feedback for iteration. groups and refine the prototype based on
observations.

Setup Steps:

Empathize Phase Setup:

• Prepare interview and observation tools.

• Conduct empathy interviews with diverse stakeholders.

• Build empathy maps and personas.

• Run Test Case 1

Define Phase Setup:

• Analyze collected data.

• Frame user-cantered problem statements.

• Run Test Case 2

Ideate Phase Setup:

• Host ideation sessions using brainstorming frameworks (SCAMPER, Crazy 8s).

• Collect and organize ideas.

• Run Test Case 3

Prototype Phase Setup:

• Select top ideas for prototyping.

• Create visual/digital/physical mock-up’s (e.g., reconfigured seating charts, multilingual signage).

• Run Test Case 4

Test Phase Setup:

• Present prototypes to students and educators.

• Observe interactions and collect feedback.

• Iterate based on feedback and implement refined solutions.

• Run Test Case 5

Title: D&I Program Blueprint: A Design Thinking-Driven Organizational Transformation

Objective: Design and implement a comprehensive Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) program using the Design
Thinking methodology to foster a workplace culture where every employee feels respected, valued,
heard, and empowered, regardless of identity, background, or experience.

Description: The initiative follows a human-centered, iterative process to co-create D&I policies,
training, engagement initiatives, and accountability structures. Cross-functional teams involving HR,
leadership, underrepresented employees, and D&I experts work together through the five stages of
design thinking: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.

This program addresses challenges related to unconscious bias, representation, inclusive leadership,
cultural competence, and equity in opportunities.

Materials/Resources Required:

Collaboration & Documentation Tools:

• Miro/MURAL, Google Workspace, Notion

User Research Tools:

• Anonymous surveys, focus group templates, empathy maps

D&I Frameworks & References:

• McKinsey D&I Reports, Gartner D&I Maturity Model

• Harvard Implicit Bias Tests

Prototype/Training Tools:

• Canva/Figma for communication materials

• LMS for training module demos

• Policy Drafting Templates

Test cases:

Stage Activities Test Cases

Empathize Conduct anonymous surveys, 1-on-1 TC1: Voice Capture Accuracy – Ensure perspectives
interviews, and group discussions with from at least 5 marginalized or underrepresented
employees from diverse groups. groups are represented and documented.

Define Analyze collected insights to define the TC2: Challenge Clarity – Validate the problem
core inclusion challenges in the statements reflect systemic or behavioral barriers,
organization. not just surface-level symptoms.
Stage Activities Test Cases

Ideate Brainstorm inclusive policies, training TC3: Solution Breadth Check – Generate at least 15
ideas, employee resource groups, ideas addressing D&I across hiring, training,
events, and accountability models. engagement, and leadership.

Prototype Create mockups of key solutions—e.g., TC4: Feasibility & Alignment – Confirm prototypes
inclusion training module, ERG charter, align with organizational culture and legal
revised hiring policy draft. frameworks while solving user pain points.

Test Pilot D&I modules, policy drafts, and TC5: Feedback Integration – Ensure feedback from
feedback tools; collect feedback and diverse stakeholders leads to tangible iteration of
revise accordingly. at least two prototypes.

Setup Steps:

Empathize Phase Setup:

• Launch D&I surveys and schedule interviews.

• Conduct empathy sessions to gather stories and identify feelings of exclusion.

• Document findings in personas and empathy maps.

• Run Test Case 1

Define Phase Setup:

• Analyze the qualitative and quantitative data.

• Frame challenge statements (e.g., “How might we reduce unconscious bias in promotions?”).

• Run Test Case 2

Ideate Phase Setup:

• Facilitate ideation workshops with diverse stakeholders.

• Use brainstorming frameworks (e.g., Brainwriting, Lotus Blossom).

• Run Test Case 3

Prototype Phase Setup:

• Create drafts of D&I training modules, policy documents, communication plans.

• Simulate ERG meetings or inclusive feedback mechanisms.

• Run Test Case 4

Test Phase Setup:

• Roll out pilot programs in select departments.

• Collect structured feedback via forms and interviews.

• Refine programs based on results and expand deployment.

• Run Test Case 5

Title: Human-Centered Design for Transforming Elderly Care Facilities

Objective: Apply Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles to develop innovative and practical solutions
that improve the quality of life for elderly residents, enhance caregiver efficiency, and ensure safety and
comfort within eldercare environments.

Description: This initiative employs human-centered design to identify and address key challenges in
elderly care settings. Through deep empathy, stakeholder collaboration, and iterative prototyping, the
project develops solutions including environmental modifications, care process enhancements, and
communication aids tailored for both elderly residents and caregivers.

The goal is to co-create tools, environments, and experiences that are responsive to the physical,
emotional, and cognitive needs of elderly residents, while also supporting caregivers with more effective
systems and reduced burnout.

Materials/Resources Required:

Design & Collaboration Tools:

• Empathy map templates, journey mapping boards (e.g., Miro, MURAL), personas

User Research Tools:

• Interview scripts, observation checklists, consent forms

Prototyping Tools:

• Cardboard models for layout redesigns, sample signage, assistive tech demos

Testing & Feedback Mechanisms:

• Feedback surveys, usability checklists, pilot program reports

Test cases:

Stage Activities Test Cases

Conduct interviews and
TC1: Insight Depth Check – Verify if emotional, physical,
observation sessions with elderly
Empathize and cognitive challenges are identified and documented
residents, caregivers, and family
across various personas.
members.
Analyze data to create clear TC2: Clarity of Problem – Confirm that at least three
Define problem statements rooted in problem statements clearly reflect real user issues and
user pain points and unmet needs. are actionable.
Brainstorm solutions: e.g.,
TC3: Innovation Scope – Ensure ideation covers
assistive furniture, visual
Ideate environmental design, tech aids, process improvements,
navigation aids, improved
and emotional wellness initiatives.
scheduling for caregivers.
 Develop models or roleplays of
TC4: Prototype Usability – Validate that prototypes can be
solutions such as redesigned
Prototype tested with actual or simulated user behaviour and
rooms, wearable alert systems, or
environments.
new shift workflows.
Pilot selected solutions in a
TC5: User Satisfaction & Impact – Assess feedback from
controlled ward or facility wing
Test both residents and caregivers on usefulness, comfort, and
and gather feedback for
ease-of-use of solutions.
refinement.

Setup Steps:

Empathize Phase Setup:

• Conduct interviews with 10+ residents and 5+ caregivers.

• Observe daily routines, mobility issues, and communication barriers.

• Create empathy maps and user personas.

• Run Test Case 1

Define Phase Setup:

• Extract recurring challenges (e.g., fall risks, loneliness, caregiver fatigue).

• Frame “How might we…” statements like:

o How might we help elderly residents navigate facilities with ease?

o How might we support caregivers in managing schedules more effectively?

• Run Test Case 2

Ideate Phase Setup:

• Facilitate idea generation workshops with stakeholders.

• Apply SCAMPER, reverse thinking, and brainwriting techniques.

• Shortlist 5–7 viable ideas for prototyping.

• Run Test Case 3

Prototype Phase Setup:

• Develop low-fidelity models (mock-up navigation signage, adjustable furniture).

• Create role-play scripts for caregiver schedule simulations.

• Run Test Case 4

Test Phase Setup:

• Conduct trials in a designated section of the facility.

• Collect feedback via interviews and observation.

• Measure user satisfaction, ease-of-use, and process time efficiency.

• Run Test Case 5

Title: Redesigning Retirement Planning: Empowering Individuals for Financial Security

Objective: To leverage design thinking principles to develop innovative, inclusive, and accessible
solutions that empower individuals across all income levels and demographics to plan effectively for
retirement in a dynamic economic landscape.

Description: This initiative utilizes a human-centered approach to deeply understand the financial
anxieties, behavioral patterns, and planning barriers individuals face regarding retirement. By engaging
users from diverse age groups, income brackets, and employment types, the project aims to design
adaptable, easy-to-use tools and systems that improve financial literacy, promote proactive planning,
and ensure long-term financial well-being.

Solutions are co-created through iterative prototyping and testing, with a strong focus on simplicity,
inclusivity, and digital accessibility.

Materials/Resources Required:

Research & Engagement Tools:

• Interview guides, user personas, financial behaviour surveys

Design Tools:

• Journey mapping templates, digital wireframes, low-fidelity sketches

Technology Prototypes:

• Mobile/web app mock-ups, financial simulator tools, retirement goal planners

Testing Frameworks:

• Usability testing scripts, feedback forms, behavioural metrics trackers

Test cases:

Stage Activities Test Cases

Conduct interviews and surveys
TC1: Financial Awareness Baseline – Verify the
across varied demographics to
Empathize diversity and accuracy of user data collected around
uncover fears, misconceptions, and
financial literacy and retirement goals.
planning gaps.
Identify key problem areas like low TC2: Problem Alignment – Ensure that problem
Define savings behaviour, lack of access to statements directly align with real pain points and are
tools, or distrust in financial systems. user-validated.
Brainstorm creative ideas like
TC3: Solution Coverage – Confirm that ideated
gamified savings apps, personalized
Ideate solutions address both emotional and practical aspects
retirement dashboards, or employer-
of retirement planning.
integrated planning tools.
 Develop visual wireframes, TC4: Prototype Functionality – Validate that
Prototype interactive calculators, or financial prototypes simulate key features like goal setting,
planner mock-ups. forecasting, and progress tracking.
TC5: Adoption and Usability Score – Measure if
Conduct usability and behavioural
Test solutions are understandable, usable, and motivate
testing with target users.
users to take real financial actions.

Setup Steps:

Empathize Phase Setup:

• Engage users aged 20–60+ from various professions and income groups.

• Use surveys and interviews to gather insights on attitudes, fears, and knowledge gaps.

• Create empathy maps and personas (e.g., "Gig Worker in Late 30s", "Mid-level Professional with
Dependents").

• Run Test Case 1

Define Phase Setup:

• Synthesize findings into key challenges, such as:

o “How might we make retirement planning feel relevant and achievable to young
professionals?”

o “How might we reduce complexity in retirement tools for individuals with low financial
literacy?”

• Run Test Case 2

Ideate Phase Setup:

• Conduct brainstorming sessions using mind maps, reverse assumptions, and “Crazy 8s”
technique.

• Shortlist solutions like:

o Micro-savings nudging app

o Retirement health check-up dashboard

o Story-based financial literacy modules

• Run Test Case 3

Prototype Phase Setup:

• Create digital mock-ups of selected tools using Figma, Adobe XD, or paper prototypes.

• Include core features like personalized plans, budget analysis, and alerts.
 • Run Test Case 4

Test Phase Setup:

• Pilot solutions with users and track behavioural changes (e.g., sign-ups, savings commitment).

• Collect qualitative and quantitative feedback through usability scores and exit interviews.

• Run Test Case 5

Title: Citizen-Centric Public Service Redesign: Enhancing Access and Experience

Objective: To improve the accessibility, efficiency, and user satisfaction of government services by
applying design thinking methodologies that prioritize the real needs, expectations, and constraints of
citizens.

Description: This initiative applies to a human-centered design (HCD) framework to reimagine public
service delivery, ensuring it is intuitive, inclusive, and responsive. The project aims to address issues
such as long wait times, complex paperwork, lack of transparency, and digital illiteracy by engaging
citizens directly in the design process. Through empathizing with diverse users, ideating creative
solutions, prototyping tools and systems, and rigorously testing for usability and impact, the initiative
transforms how people interact with government services.

Materials/Resources Required:

Engagement Tools:

• Citizen interview guides, feedback kiosks, accessibility audits

Design Tools:

• Journey mapping boards, pain point analysis tools, service blueprints

Technology Prototypes:

• Mobile/web interface mock-up’s, AI chatbots for service queries, multilingual forms

Testing Resources:

• Real user testing panels, feedback forms, interaction metrics dashboard

Test cases:

Stage Activities Test Cases

Interview citizens from various TC1: User Pain Point Capture – Confirm
Empathize demographics, analyze complaints, collection of specific issues (e.g., form
observe interactions with public systems. complexity, wait time) across service channels.

Synthesize user insights into core TC2: Needs Mapping – Validate the accuracy
Define problems like poor digital access, unclear and coverage of defined user needs against
navigation, and language barriers. actual service experiences.

TC3: Idea Alignment – Ensure ideas map

Generate ideas like one-stop digital
directly to the pain points and cater to
Ideate portals, SMS-based service tracking, or AI-
underserved user groups (e.g., rural, elderly,
based assistants for form filling.
disabled).
Stage Activities Test Cases

Create simple clickable UI mock-up’s, TC4: Prototype Functionality – Verify core

Prototype voice-based IVR systems, or kiosk models features such as multilingual support, simplified
for physical locations. steps, or real-time status updates.

Deploy pilot with real users in community TC5: Usability Validation – Measure service
Test centres, mobile apps, or kiosks. Gather time reduction, satisfaction increase, and
feedback on ease-of-use. accessibility compliance post-deployment.

Setup Steps:

Empathize Phase Setup:

• Conduct interviews and shadowing sessions at government service touchpoints.

• Gather user stories from urban, rural, and special-needs communities.

• Create citizen personas (e.g., "Elderly Pension Seeker", "First-Time Tax Filer", "Migrant
Worker").

• Run Test Case 1

Define Phase Setup:

• Translate observations into problem statements, such as:

o “How might we simplify public service access for non-tech-savvy users?”

o “How might we reduce language barriers in service portals?”

• Run Test Case 2

Ideate Phase Setup:

• Organize co-creation workshops with citizens and government employees.

• Brainstorm ideas like:

o Centralized public service chatbot

o SMS-based application status alerts

o Simplified document scanning through mobile cameras

• Run Test Case 3

Prototype Phase Setup:

• Use tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and hardware mock-up’s for kiosks.

• Include core features like progress tracking, voice instructions, and simplified decision trees.
 • Run Test Case 4

Test Phase Setup:

• Launch pilot programs in selected locations or as beta digital rollouts.

• Track key metrics: user engagement, task completion time, service abandonment rate.

• Run Test Case 5