Empowering Students to Save Lives: A Personal Journey through Project Based Learning and Human Centered Design

We are constantly seeking innovative ways to empower youth to not only excel academically but also to make a tangible impact on society. One proven strategy is the seamless integration of Project Based Learning (PBL) and Human Centered Design (HCD) in our education system. The synergy between student-centric learning and innovative problem-solving methodologies is not just a theoretical concept; it is a powerful catalyst equipping students with the skills to literally save lives.

My Personal Connection to Innovation and Human Centered Design

Human Centered Design gives us a framework to make sense of complicated problems of energy, force, movement, and resistance.  I believe it gives young people an understanding of circumstances and situational awareness in frightening events that can mean the difference between life & death…

Early in my career, three young people found themselves trapped in a storm in central Texas with a stalled car, a flooded roadway below them rushing at over 30 knots and over two feet deep… They were at the top of a hill and could not go back due to even worse flooding behind them… The only path they could see was forward.

They chose to attempt to drive through the low water crossing… they miscalculated the  problem… the car was not heavy enough to overcome the rushing water… velocity could not lift the vehicle long enough to hydro plane the span… the impact stalled the engine… the car was taken downstream and the adult child of one of my very close and dear friends drowned because they couldn’t do the math in the moment.  She was very smart, very courageous and believed in that moment they could overcome forces of nature not possible with the resources they had in the moment.  Not foolish, arrogant nor ignorant… just a miscalculation in a moment of crisis.

So, we designed the “Just Breathe” Personal Oxygen Canister (POC) for such a crisis situation.  (a micro oxygen canister, slightly larger than an asthma inhaler that could provide 3-5 minutes of compressed oxygen any person could use in an emergency).

Original prototype mock up image below

If we gave one of these to every student when they get their license to put in their car with the emergency roadside kits, maybe, we’ll save a life from catastrophic loss. Today, you can purchase .5 lb regulated mini scuba tanks for under a $100, good for 8 - 15 minutes of regulated oxygen in a possible vehicle submersion, or drowning scenario.

Picture a campus courtyard buzzing with energy, as students immerse themselves in a project focused on designing a crisis response system for natural disasters. This project is not merely an academic exercise; it is a real-world challenge demanding creative solutions to mitigate the impact of catastrophe on vulnerable communities.

I witnessed firsthand the transformation within my students. Through PBL, they dove deep into research, collaborated seamlessly with team members, and honed their critical thinking skills to develop a comprehensive crisis response plan. Setting this experience apart was the integration of Human Centered Design principles.

Human Centered Design: Putting Empathy into Action

At the heart of Human Centered Design lies empathy – the ability to understand, resonate, and connect with the individuals for whom we are designing solutions. In our case, it was the survivors of natural disasters whose voices guided the creative process. By immersing themselves in the shoes of those affected by such crises, students unearthed profound insights reshaping their approach to problem-solving.

As a result, the crisis response plans teams developed were not just efficient; it was deeply human-centered. Every aspect, from the communication protocols to the distribution of aid, was meticulously crafted to cater to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of the affected population. Witnessing my students bridge the gap between innovation and empathy is a testament to the transformative power of PBL and HCD.

Saving Lives through Innovation and Design

The pinnacle of our project was the test phase, where our crisis response system was tested in realistic scenarios. The students were tasked with responding to disaster situations, and what unfolded was nothing short of inspiring. In the midst of chaos, these young minds showcased remarkable composure, resourcefulness, and compassion as they implemented their meticulously designed plan.

It was during this phase that the true significance of our endeavor became palpable. Beyond academic achievement, beyond theoretical knowledge, our students acquired a set of skills that transcended the confines of traditional education. They had become adept problem-solvers, resilient leaders, and above all, compassionate individuals with the ability to effect positive change in the world.

A Vision for the Future: Transforming Education, Empowering Lives

Reflecting on this transformative journey through Project Based Learning and Human Centered Design, I am hopeful for the future of education. By adopting student-centric strategies grounded in real-world problem-solving and empathy-driven design, we have the opportunity to cultivate a generation of innovators, change-makers, and lifesavers.

To all educators, parents, legislators, and first responders, I urge you to embrace the power of PBL and HCD in shaping the minds of our youth. Let us equip our students not just with knowledge, but with the tools, mindset, and heart to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our world today. Together, nurturing a generation that doesn't just dream of a better future – they actively create it.

By weaving together the threads of innovation, empathy, and education, we will empower students to save lives and shape a future with limitless possibilities, paving the way for a brighter, more compassionate world.

So take the leap with us, hand in hand, towards a world where every student is not just a learner, but a beacon of light illuminating the path to a better tomorrow. Together, we will change the narrative on education and the next generation of young leaders. Together, we will save lives.

(click the video below to see one of the logo designs for the original prototype)

If you'd like to learn more about Project Based Learning and Innovation in the Classroom contact us at epsalpha.org

Keywords:

Human Centered Design, Project Based Learning, Student Centric Learning, Trauma Informed Education