Design Thinking Challenges
Design Thinking offers a new way of seeing, understanding and operating in the world. It is a robust process which involves empathetic, human-centered observation, critical research and analysis, innovation, and experimentation. With an emphasis on visualizing information and testing ideas, the fundamental principles of Design Thinking can be applied to a wide variety of academic disciplines and professional sectors.
“Getting involved on campus as a freshman is the best way to make campus and college life start to feel like home. It’s a great way to learn, gain experiences that’ll make you a better student, and make some friends. Being a part of something big is really rewarding. I got involved in the Design Thinking Challenge because I care about sustainability, I wanted to get involved at the UA, and I wanted to make some new friends. It was a great choice; I got to do all of those things!”
Spring 2019 Challenges
Are you looking to build employable skills and make a difference in the Tucson community? Don’t miss the opportunity to work alongside one of these local nonprofits on a real-world project. You and your team have the chance to broaden the impact of one of these organizations and witness your ideas brought to life.
Join a diverse team of students or create your own team to work together to participate in this Design Thinking Challenge, where you will complete a series of solutions to address the Challenges posed to UA students by the Client, described below. The top teams will earn prizes!
Open to any degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student; all majors. There is no cost to participate, and all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced, are encouraged to participate.
Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona's mission is to advance artistic expression, civic participation, andequitable economic growth of our diverse community.
Living Streets Alliance envisions streets as living public spaces that connect people to places and to each other. They advocate for a thriving Tucson by creating great streets for all of us.
Youth on Their Own is a dropout prevention program that supports the high school graduation and continued success of homeless, unaccompanied youth in Pima County.
Important Dates
Kickoff for the Challenge: Thursday, Jan 31 6-7:30pm
- Meet with the nonprofit you’ll be working with, learn the challenge prompt, and get started with your team
Idea Jam: Friday, February 22 between 3-5pm
- Share your team’s initial reactions to the challenge prompt and get feedback
Demo Day: Tuesday, March 19 from 3:30-5:30pm
- Demo a prototype of your team’s final solution to test with event attendees; invited employers and the client provides feedback
Final Presentations and winners announced: Friday, April 5 Time TBA
- Final teams present their solutions; the client and stakeholders provide input on the final winners. Winners are announced and celebrated at the end of the day.
Register to attend an upcoming Info Session to learn more.
