Summer Camp Extravaganza: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
SCD’s Summer Camp Extravaganza:
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
This summer, the Siebel Center for Design, in collaboration with the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) program through the Grainger College of Engineering, hosted a remarkable series of camps designed to ignite curiosity and creativity in K-12 students. Led by Brian Guerrero and his dedicated intern team, these camps focused on Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles, offering young participants a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on, empathy-driven projects. The result? An unforgettable summer experience that equipped these students with the tools to think critically, innovate, and make a difference in the world around them.
"People Designing for People":
Transforming Everyday Experiences
Now in its third year, the "People Designing for People" camp challenged students to reimagine and redesign everyday objects with new audiences in mind. This immersive camp took participants on a creative journey, where they were tasked with thinking outside the box and considering how different people interact with common items. The campers worked on a diverse array of projects, including redesigning school cafeterias to be more inclusive, enhancing the ice cream-eating experience for those with dietary restrictions, and transforming classic toys like Lite-Brites and robotic dogs to better suit the needs of children with disabilities.
The focus on Human-Centered Design allowed these young innovators to delve into the process of understanding the needs, emotions, and behaviors of different user groups. Through hands-on activities, they learned to empathize with others and think critically about how design can improve daily life. The camp culminated in a showcase where students presented their innovative prototypes, each reflecting a newfound understanding of how thoughtful design can have a real-world impact. This experience not only fostered their creativity but also instilled a deep appreciation for the power of empathy in problem-solving.
Exploring Empathy in Game Design:
The Video Game Design Camp
New this year was the two-day Video Game Design Camp, specifically tailored for students from the Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program (CHIS&E). This camp introduced participants to the exciting world of game design, with a unique focus on incorporating empathy into their creations. The young designers began by reimagining classic games like chess, infusing them with scientific concepts and adding layers of complexity that encouraged players to think differently about strategy and interaction.
A highlight of the camp was a tour of the Molecule Maker Lab Institute, where students observed cutting-edge scientific research in action. This experience sparked their creativity and helped them draw connections between scientific principles and game design. Back in the workshop, these budding game designers used their observations to brainstorm and develop engaging game prototypes that not only entertained but also educated players on various scientific themes. This camp not only introduced students to the technical aspects of game design but also emphasized the importance of empathy and user-centered thinking in creating games that resonate with diverse audiences.
Fostering the Innovators of Tomorrow: The Impact of SCD’s Summer Camps
The SCD summer camps are more than just a fun way to spend the break—they're an investment in the future. By providing K-12 students with hands-on experiences in Human-Centered Design, these programs help young learners develop essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. These camps offer a unique platform for students to explore new ideas, gain confidence, and understand the practical applications of their skills in real-world scenarios.
Collaboration with the WYSE program through the Grainger College of Engineering has been instrumental in making these camps possible, bringing together resources and expertise to inspire the next generation of problem solvers. Through these partnerships, SCD is able to extend its mission beyond the campus, reaching out to the local community and beyond to nurture a love for innovation and design thinking in young minds.