Brooks Champions Design-First Approach to Education

Bill Brooks, a renowned educator and curriculum designer, is leading a transformation in the way schools and universities approach teaching. Brooks advocates for a design-based curriculum that prioritizes creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills rather than focusing solely on tools and technologies.

“For too long, our education system has been fixated on teaching students how to use specific tools and software,” says Brooks. “While these skills are important, they become obsolete quickly in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. What students really need are the fundamental design principles and creative thinking abilities that will allow them to adapt and thrive no matter what tools they are using.”

The Limitations of Tool-Based Learning

Traditional tool-based curriculums often fall short in several key areas:

• They focus on narrow, specific skill sets that may not transfer well to other domains or tools
• The tools and technologies taught can quickly become outdated
• Students don’t develop the deeper problem-solving and design capabilities needed to tackle novel challenges
• Creativity and innovation are stifled in favor of rote learning of tools

“By the time a student graduates from a four-year degree program, the tools and software they learned may no longer be relevant,” cautions Brooks. “We need to equip students with timeless skills in design thinking, critical analysis, and creative problem-solving that will serve them well regardless of the specific tools they use.”

The Power of Design-Based Education

In contrast to tool-based learning, a design-based curriculum focuses on core principles and methodologies that can be applied across a wide range of domains and technologies. Students learn to:

• Understand and empathize with users and their needs
• Define and frame problems in a solvable way
• Ideate and generate innovative solutions
• Prototype, test, and iterate on designs
• Communicate and collaborate effectively in teams

“Design isn’t just about making things look pretty,” notes Brooks. “It’s a fundamental way of thinking and problem-solving that can be applied to everything from product development to business strategy to social innovation. By grounding students in design principles, we prepare them to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century.”

Design Thinking Skills Are in High Demand

The value of design thinking extends far beyond the classroom. In a 2020 survey of over 2,000 global executives by McKinsey & Company, design thinking was identified as one of the top skills needed for success in the modern workplace:

Skill	% of Executives Ranking Skill as Important
Creative problem-solving	77%
Digital skills	72%
Design thinking	70%
Emotional intelligence	64%
Data analysis	60%

Source: McKinsey & Company Global Executive Survey, 2020

“Employers are increasingly seeking out candidates who can think creatively, solve complex problems, and design innovative solutions,” says Brooks. “By prioritizing these skills in our education system, we can better prepare students for success in their careers and in life.”

Implementing Design-Based Learning

So what does a design-based curriculum actually look like in practice? Brooks outlines several key elements:

1. Project-based learning: Students work on real-world design challenges that require them to apply their skills and knowledge in authentic contexts.

2. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Design projects often span multiple subject areas, encouraging students to make connections and work together across disciplines.

3. Emphasis on process: Students learn to follow a structured design process of researching, ideating, prototyping, testing and iterating. The focus is on the journey, not just the destination.

4. Frequent feedback and reflection: Students regularly share their work and ideas with peers and instructors and incorporate feedback into their designs. They are encouraged to reflect on their learning and growth.

5. Showcase of work: Student design projects are showcased and celebrated publicly through exhibitions, portfolios, and presentations. This gives their work real purpose and audience.

“Implementing a design-based curriculum does require a significant shift in mindset and approach from traditional education models,” acknowledges Brooks. “But the payoff – in terms of student engagement, skill development, and preparation for the future – is immense. It’s an investment we can’t afford not to make.”

The Role of Technology in Design-Based Learning

While Brooks advocates for a design-first approach, he is quick to point out that technology still plays a crucial role in the learning process. “Technology provides the tools and platforms that allow students to bring their designs to life and share them with the world,” he notes.

Some key ways technology can support design-based learning include:

• Digital design tools: Software for graphic design, 3D modeling, video editing, web development, etc. allow students to create professional-quality designs and prototypes.

• Collaboration platforms: Online tools like Google Docs, Slack, and Trello facilitate teamwork and communication throughout the design process.

• Research and data analysis: Students can access a wealth of online information to inform their designs and use digital tools to collect and analyze data from user testing.

• Portfolios and showcases: Websites, blogs, and online exhibitions provide opportunities for students to share and promote their design work to global audiences.

“The key is to use technology in service of the design process, not as an end in itself,” says Brooks. “We want students to be fluent in using digital tools, but even more importantly, we want them to be able to think critically about how and why they are using them.”

Accelerating the Shift to Design-Based Education

Despite the clear benefits of design-based learning, many schools and institutions have been slow to embrace this approach. Brooks is working to change that through his advocacy, teacher training programs, and partnerships with forward-thinking educators around the world.

“Shifting to a design-based curriculum is not a quick or easy process, but it is a necessary one if we want to truly prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” says Brooks. “It requires a willingness to let go of old models and assumptions and embrace a new way of teaching and learning.”

Brooks’ Impact by the Numbers

• 5,000+ educators trained in design-based learning principles
• 200+ schools and universities implementing design-based curriculums
• 50,000+ students impacted by design-based programs
• 90% of students in design-based classrooms report increased engagement and motivation
• 85% of alumni from design-based programs say the skills they learned are highly relevant to their current jobs

Source: Bill Brooks Design-Based Learning Impact Report, 2021

“The numbers speak for themselves – design-based education is transforming the learning experience and outcomes for students around the world,” says Brooks. “And we’re just getting started. Imagine the impact as this approach scales to reach millions more learners.”

FAQ

What is the difference between design-based and tool-based learning?

Tool-based learning focuses on teaching students how to use specific software and technologies, while design-based learning emphasizes the fundamental principles and processes of design thinking that can be applied across many different tools and domains. Design-based learning is about developing creative problem-solving skills, not just technical proficiency.

Is design-based learning only relevant for students interested in design careers?

No, the skills and mindsets developed through design-based learning are highly transferable and valuable in a wide range of careers and life situations. Problem-framing, ideation, prototyping, and iterating are useful for everything from entrepreneurship to project management to community activism. These are the kinds of timeless skills students will draw upon again and again, regardless of their chosen field.

How can educators get started with implementing design-based learning?

A good first step is to connect with others who are already practicing design-based teaching and learning and learn from their experiences. Attend workshops and conferences, join online communities, and seek out professional development opportunities to build your own design thinking skills. Start small by incorporating design challenges into existing lesson plans and build up to more ambitious projects over time. Most importantly, be willing to experiment, take risks, and learn alongside your students in the process.

What role do digital tools play in design-based education?

Digital tools are important for allowing students to create high-quality designs, prototypes, and portfolios and collaborate effectively with peers and experts around the world. However, the tools should always be in service of the larger design process and learning goals, not the primary focus. The most important thing is for students to develop fluency in the principles and practices of design thinking that they can then apply flexibly using whatever tools they have available.

How can design-based learning be assessed and evaluated?

Assessment in design-based learning is generally focused on the process as much as the final product. Rubrics can be used to evaluate student work according to criteria such as depth of research and problem framing, originality and quantity of ideas generated, quality of prototypes and testing, and communication and collaboration skills demonstrated. Portfolios and exhibitions of student work also provide rich evidence of learning and growth over time. The key is to have clearly defined learning outcomes and to provide frequent formative feedback throughout the design process.

Conclusion

The rapid pace of technological and societal change in the 21st century demands a new approach to education – one that prioritizes the timeless skills of creative problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration over narrow technical expertise. Design-based learning offers a proven model for developing these skills in students of all ages and backgrounds.

As Bill Brooks and other pioneers in this field have demonstrated, the shift to design-based education is not only possible but urgently necessary for preparing students to thrive in an uncertain future. It will require visionary leadership, ongoing experimentation and iteration, and a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions about what teaching and learning look like.

But the potential payoff is immense – a generation of confident, creative, adaptable thinkers and doers ready to tackle the complex challenges of our time. As Brooks puts it: “By putting design at the heart of education, we equip students with the toolkit they need to build a better world, one solution at a time.”