Human-centered design begins with understanding the people behind the problem. Before the session, spend 10–15 minutes reflecting on an authentic educational challenge from your own teaching or program.
Pre-Workshop Activity
Step 1: Identify One Educational Challenge
Choose one educational challenge you would like to improve (e.g., learner engagement, feedback, assessment, curriculum design, clinical teaching, or faculty development).
Step 2: Focus on the People
Rather than thinking about solutions, consider the individuals experiencing this challenge.
Reflect on the following questions:
Who is most affected by this challenge?
What are they trying to accomplish?
What frustrations, barriers, or unmet needs might they be experiencing?
What assumptions am I making about their experience?
What information would I need to better understand their perspective?
Jot down a few notes. There are no right or wrong answers—we will use these reflections during the workshop.
Bring Your Reflection
Come prepared to briefly describe your educational challenge and the people affected by it. During the workshop, you'll work collaboratively to develop empathy for stakeholders, redefine the problem, generate innovative ideas, and prototype practical solutions that can be adapted to your own educational context.
