This Virtual Design Challenge empowers students to take action as they work to develop innovative solutions to the question: How might we help people thrive mentally and physically in the midst of COVID-19? Students are guided through the entire Design Thinking process on our new digital platform. The Challenge is delivered by a trained educator. BUILD provides all training and materials for students and schools.

The content was created to empower youth nationwide and give them a sense of self-agency. They explore stories of diverse people living in our communities then work collaboratively in teams to propose innovative solutions.

The design thinking journey takes students through the following process:

• Empathize – Walk in a client’s shoes and document the experience
• Define – State your client’s needs and problems
• Ideate – Dream up solutions to your client’s challenges
• Prototype – Create a model of your solution
• Test – Try your solution with others
• Pitch – Present your idea for potential cash prizes and bragging rights

Join us weekly on Wednesdays at 4pm PST/ 7pm EST for an info session. See you on Zoom!

Design Thinking is a philosophy that empowers an individual or team to design products, services, systems, and experiences that address the core needs of those who experience a problem.

Some of the world’s leading brands, such as Apple, Google, Samsung and GE, have rapidly adopted the Design Thinking approach, and Design Thinking is being taught at leading universities around the world, including d.school, Stanford, Harvard and MIT. Human-Centered Design is a framework for solving problems that makes individual lived experiences the centerpiece of the process.

BUILD’s COVID-19 Virtual Design Challenge can be delivered in as little as 10 hours or be used as a launch pad for additional lessons and curricula that can span an entire semester.

Educator training commitment is a minimum of 2 hours.

Educators, please register for training! Principals, Administrators or other leaders in schools and youth organizations, if you’d like to discuss a training specific to your district or organization, please email Lydia at lphillips@build.org. All educators must participate in a training in order to get students started!

BUILD’s COVID-19 Design Challenge is 100% FREE. For best results, we require educators to complete the training prior to delivering the program.

• You can use any video platform you like for the ChallengeZoom, GoToMeetings, etc.
• Students will need a computer or mobile device that has internet access
• This experience will use the following sites/platforms: BUILD.org, Google Docs, Padlet, YouTube, Vimeo, EditMate

The Challenge is created for grades 8-12. The curriculum and guidebook is designed for educators to use in their virtual classrooms! We also invite parents, nonprofits, after-school programs and community leaders to join with their youth! We invite students from all districts, all states. Educators are required to facilitate and need to attend a training session before you can access the full material.

• Design thinking to include Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test and Pitch
• 21st Century Skills (BUILD’s Spark Skills!):Problem-solving, Communication, Collaboration, Innovation, Grit, Self-management
• An entrepreneurial mindset
• Collaboration and communication as students go through the challenge in teams
• Public speaking and how to make a pitch
• Fun ways of using new tech tools
• How to be confident in their ability to use digital tools for empathy building, problem solving, and collaboration
• Real-world project based learning

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Today, tomorrow or whenever you are ready! The course is online and therefore you can start on a rolling basis. Teachers or facilitators are invited to complete a 2-hour training. This training is required so you understand the flow, best practices and how to ensure students feel safe, excited and ready to dive into the challenge.

You will be coaching a team of 5-7 Middle and High school students as they develop their creative solutions! Professionals from all walks of life are encouraged; design skills are a bonus.  Training sessions are provided and led by teachers and BUILD staff who will provide guidance, feedback, and assistance as you and your student team dive into new skills!