Human-centered design is a philosophy that empowers teams and individuals designing products, systems, and services to address the needs of those who experience a problem. What happens when we teach our youth how to understand and anticipate the needs of others?

Utilizing the design thinking model, we can use empathy as a foundational launching pad for developing equity and creating creative, independent thinkers.

Today on the podcast, I’m talking with Amanda Kopischke, the Co-Founder and CEO of Incubate to Innovate, LLC, about using human-centered design and design thinking as a platform for teaching students teachers the importance of empathy and the lifelong effects of creating a culture of compassion. 

Listen in!

About Amanda Kopischke:

Amanda Kopischke is the Co-Founder and CEO of Incubate to Innovate, LLC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Bethel University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Saint Mary’s University. Amanda is also an author, speaker, developer, and bridge builder, empowering others to reimagine education.

To learn more about Amanda, follow her on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. 

Jump in the Conversation:

• [3:00] The foundation of human-centered design
• [4:04] Experiential and exploratory learning through connection
• [5:50] K-12 design thinking with empathy as the foundation
• [8:31] We are all designers!
• [10:03] Potential roadblocks to human-centered design
• [15:06] Meeting others where they are
• [28:08] Amanda’s Magic Wand: creating tools like empathy, the ability to synthesize, imagine, plan and create to prepare students for life
• [31:57] Maureen’s Take-Aways

Links and Resources:

• Change Makers for Impact
• Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It by Bob Goff
• The Power of Vulnerability: A TedTalk by Brene Brown
• EdActive Summit
• Email Maureen
• Facebook: Follow Education Evolution
• Twitter: Follow Education Evolution
• LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution
• Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids
• Micro-school feature on Good Morning America
• The Micro-School Coalition
• Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition
• LEADPrep