Design Thinking Practice: Create the Perfect House

1. Identify the client

List your target audience here. This can be friends, family, pets – be as specific as possible.

2. Collect data

Interview your client to understand their needs/preferences. Use questions such as:

• Do you like large or small spaces?
• Do you like light or dark areas?
• Do you like privacy or shared spaces?
• How much time do you spend outdoors?
• Are you more comfortable in hot or cold temperatures?
• What is your daily routine?
• Do you have any physical limitations?
• What do you like/not like about your current house?

3. Create multiple different ideas

Using rough sketches, create a few different ideas and options for your client and present them to understand which qualities/features of your ideas your client prefers. Think big! Do not constrain yourself at this stage, and do not spend too much time creating these sketches – at this stage, the ideas should convey only the minimum details.

4. Create a prototype

Using the medium of your choice, create a prototype house that meets all the criteria specified by your client. You can create this prototype using:

• A drawing
• Paper structures
• Legos
• Minecraft
• Other...

5. Test

Give your client a tour of your prototype house. Ask for feedback – what does the client like/not like about your model?