Educators and students at all levels are using design thinking to create solutions for real-world problems. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking for fresh ideas, this updated and curated list features high-quality resources that are free, low-cost, or easily accessible to help you get started today.
Essential Toolkits & Guides
- IDEO U & Design Thinking for Educators
A comprehensive toolkit and set of resources from the leading design firm. It provides a step-by-step process for applying design thinking in the classroom. This is an excellent starting point for any educator.
- Stanford d.school K12 Lab
The home of modern design thinking offers a range of tools and project ideas specifically for K-12 teachers. Their famous “Wallet Project” is a fun and engaging way to introduce design thinking to students.
- Frog Design’s Collective Action Toolkit
A free, downloadable toolkit with activities to help groups organize and collaboratively create solutions. This is perfect for team-based projects in the classroom.
- HFLI Learning Studio: Design Thinking Educator Resources
A resource library offering free mini-lessons, design challenges, and activities for K-12 educators. These are especially useful for getting started with specific parts of the design process, like Empathy Mapping or Ideation.
Practical, Ready-to-Use Curricula & Lessons
- Google’s Applied Digital Skills Program
This program offers a free curriculum with project-based lessons that naturally integrate a design thinking approach. Students learn digital skills while following a “prototype, test, and refine” model.
- AIGA Design Teaching Resource
The AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) hosts a peer-populated platform where educators can share assignments and teaching materials. It’s a great place to get inspiration and connect with other design-minded teachers.
- California Academy of Sciences: Design Thinking Challenges
A collection of lesson plans that use design thinking to solve real-world problems related to science and the environment, such as designing a sustainable food system. Great for STEM classrooms.
- TeachEngineering
This resource offers free, standards-aligned STEM curriculum for grades K-12. Many of the lessons are structured around the engineering design process, a close cousin of design thinking.
Inspiring Case Studies & Background
- Edutopia: Design Thinking in Schools
A trusted source for innovative teaching, Edutopia provides articles, videos, and blog posts from educators who have successfully implemented design thinking in their classrooms. A great resource for real-world examples and inspiration.
- Project H Design
This non-profit organization uses design thinking to improve education and communities. The documentary “If You Build It” highlights their work and provides a powerful case study for students on design as a social act.
- IBM SkillsBuild: Free Design Thinking Course
IBM offers a free online course for students and educators to learn the basics of design thinking. It’s a great way for older students to earn a digital badge and add a valuable skill to their resume.
Advanced Reading & Professional Development
- “What is Design Thinking?” by IxDF
This comprehensive article provides a detailed overview of design thinking, its mindsets, and frameworks. It is a fantastic resource for educators who want to go deeper into the theory behind the practice.
- UVA Darden School of Business Online Courses
For higher education professionals and motivated high school teachers, UVA offers a series of courses that apply design thinking to complex problems, including those in the social and public sectors.
- Stanford University’s Online Creativity & Design Thinking Program
A series of online courses and certificate programs to help you continuously produce breakthrough ideas. The content is directly from the Stanford d.school faculty.
