Design thinking is a learning-by-doing process. Throughout the 16 sessions of Maker Class, F.4 and F.5 students at Buddhist Hung Sean Chau Memorial College were able to acquire design thinking skills and improve their ideas based on users’ feedback. To the students, it was a hands-on experience to take up new challenges and strive for the best.
The topic for F.4 was “Sense of Belonging at School”. They tried to conceive designs for different targets including the principal, teachers, junior students and classmates, to enhance their sense of acceptance, inclusion and support at school. They came up with designs such as a Monopoly to improve junior students’ understanding of the school, a coffee machine and a healthy lunchbox vending machine for students and teachers to rest, a dating board for making more friends, and instrument performance sessions to relax.
While for F.5, “Community Care” was the focus. In order to develop facilities that serve the community’s needs, they conducted field visits around the Choi Hung Estate and interacted with neighbours of different ages. For the environment, they designed bug traps and cleaning equipment. In terms of leisure, a portable basketball hoop and a rainbow amusement facility were developed. They also suggested covers for walkways with plants on the roof to provide protection for pedestrians against the sun and rain. For most students, it was their first time exploring the neighbourhood, speaking with strangers, and learning carpentry. Nevertheless, they overcame the challenges and successfully presented their final design to everyone in the final class.
