Design Thinking has a phase called empathy. But this is not something we switch on and off. It is certainly not something that is just a tick-a-box. A deeper connection with people at the heart of a problem, will likely yield a stronger commitment to figuring things out.
During a Design Thinking online workshop this week I encouraged teachers to share a story. A story of a time when they felt out of place and challenged by a language or cultural barrier. These memories helped us to connect on a deeper level, with the experiences of students at the heart of their inquiry.
It shifted the dialogue and our motivation to advocate.
We made meaning by connecting with our own experiences, memories and stories. This put us in a position to connect in a more meaningful way and understand more.
It was a privilege to be part of that moment, so pure and clear, and to help a little in getting there. It is rare to share such a discrete moment of empathy and it was a real highlight this week.