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The Design Process & Habits of Mind

The Design Process

The Design Process is used by the ETF program when working on "Project Based Learning." 

Ask

Start with a question. What is something that can be investigated?

Imagine

Brainstorm all possibilities. Use your imagination.

Plan

Think about your ideas. Choose one idea and plan how you will answer the question.

Create

Now follow your plan. Are you making something? That is a prototype.

Improve

Now look at your prototype. Does it work? Get feedback from others. How can you make it even better?

Share

Share your improved prototype with the world. You can go back through the design process at any time to keep making things work and making things work better.

The Design Process: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve, Share

Habits of Mind

Engineering the Future students incorporate the Learning Habits of Mind and Engineering Habits of Mind in order to continually "make things work and make things work better." These are the skills that will set students apart, no matter what career path they choose.

Graphic displaying learning & engineering habits of mind

Core Mindset

Making things that work and making things work better.

Engineering Habits of Mind

  • Improving

  • Systems-thinking

  • Adapting
  • Problem finding
  • Problem solving
  • Visualizing

Learning Habits of Mind

  • Curiosity

  • Open-mindedness

  • Reflection and collaboration
  • Resourcefulness
  • Resilience
  • Ethical consideration