Design and Out-of-School Learning

The design process is suited to a wide range of learning environments and contexts, and designing is a fundamental process in many spheres of life. [Page 204]Learners can design physical objects such as flashlights, tapestries, or underwater robots; digital creations such as websites, interactive games, videos, or logos; spaces such as tree houses, living rooms, or parks; or more abstract processes and organizations, such as a business plan, a research study, or a strategy for political activism. Regardless of design media or content, there are some standard components of the design process—finding a problem, brainstorming ideas, trying out ideas, getting feedback, and revising.

The design process usually is focused on solving a particular problem or creating something for a specified purpose, context, or audience. Designs may ...