Target Audience:

• K12 Students: Focus on foundational design principles and hands-on creativity.
• Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Introduce more sophisticated design tools and methods.
• Executive Education: Emphasize strategic applications, leadership in innovation, and digital transformation.

Course Structure:

Phase 1: Introduction to Design Thinking (All Levels)

• Objective: Understand the basic principles of design thinking, including empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
• Activities:
  • K12: Simple exercises like drawing or building models with everyday materials (e.g., LEGO, clay).
  • Undergraduate/Graduate: Case studies and group discussions on design thinking in real-world scenarios.
  • Executives: Workshops on applying design thinking to solve business challenges.

Phase 2: Physical Model Building (K12 to Graduate)

• Objective: Develop hands-on skills in creating physical prototypes, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
• Activities:
  • K12: Create basic models using simple materials, focusing on creativity and understanding the design process.
  • Undergraduate/Graduate: Use more advanced tools (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting) to build functional prototypes.
  • Executives: Engage in rapid prototyping sessions to understand the role of physical models in design thinking.

Phase 3: Transition to Digital Models (Undergraduate to Executive)

• Objective: Learn to translate physical prototypes into digital models using various software tools.
• Activities:
  • Undergraduate/Graduate: Introduce CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, and teach students to create digital models based on their physical prototypes.
  • Executives: Focus on the strategic value of digital modeling, exploring tools that aid in product development and innovation.

Phase 4: Digital Simulations (Graduate to Executive)

• Objective: Understand and utilize digital simulations to test and refine designs.
• Activities:
  • Graduate: Introduce simulations that allow students to test their designs in virtual environments, identifying strengths and weaknesses before physical production.
  • Executives: Explore how digital simulations can be used in strategic planning, risk management, and product development.

Phase 5: Real-World Application and Leadership (Executives)

• Objective: Apply design thinking and digital modeling to lead innovation within an organization.
• Activities:
  • Executives: Case studies, role-playing, and strategic planning exercises focused on using design thinking to drive organizational change and digital transformation.

Course Outcomes:

• K12 Students: Develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and a basic understanding of the design process.
• Undergraduate/Graduate Students: Gain practical skills in both physical and digital design, preparing for careers in design, engineering, and innovation.
• Executives: Learn to lead with design thinking, leveraging digital tools for strategic innovation and organizational growth.

Pedagogical Approach:

• Hands-On Learning: Emphasize experiential learning through building and testing.
• Collaborative Projects: Encourage teamwork and communication.
• Real-World Relevance: Use case studies and industry examples to ground the learning in real-world applications.
• Iterative Process: Reinforce the iterative nature of design thinking, encouraging continuous improvement and adaptability.

This course would be adaptable to the varying levels of experience and expertise across the different audience segments, ensuring that each group derives value from the curriculum.