Teachers and high school students both benefit from designExplorr’s DesignIS: Change workshop. Teachers gain fresh teaching methodologies by integrating innovative practices into the classroom. This workshop allows educators to expose their students to hands-on creativity, foster critical thinking, enhance problem-solving skills, and promote collaboration. Students enhance their problem-solving abilities through hands-on activities, promoting real-world skill application.

DesignExplorr workshops enrich learning experiences by empowering students to apply innovative ideas, preparing them for real-world challenges. Overall, this workshop equips educators and students for dynamic learning and future success in an ever-evolving world.

Morning Workshop Activities

• Presentation with language setting
• 3 mini-design exercises
• Demo for empathy mapping

Afternoon Workshop Activities

• Design challenge & design process
• Prototype solutions
• Group presentations & discussion

Dr. Jacinda N. Walker is renowned for her design, diversity, research, and strategy work. She is the founder and creative director of designExplorr, a social impact organization whose mission addresses the diversity gap within the design profession. As an advocate for young people, Jacinda proudly mentors several design students on portfolio presentations, professional development, and career planning. Her research on Design Journeys: Strategies for Increasing Diversity in Design Disciplines has been hailed as breakthrough work. This solutions-based thesis explores diversity in design disciplines and investigates effective strategies to expose Black and Latino youth to design careers. Dr. Walker’s future goals are to help scale diversity in design initiatives within education institutions, corporations, organizations, and museums.