In this stage, students ‘meet’ the problem. In your plan, consider:
What problem will be addressed in the design experience and how will you spark student interest in it?
How might you help them figure out what they already know about the problem?
How could they hear from or interact with the people affected by it?
Identify You are aware of the standards and experiences your students need to get in their time with you. Select an issue that involves a topic you need to address from your standards and identify a problem related to it. For example, if the topic is energy transfer, keeping homeless warm in the winter might be part of the problem. Sometimes you will be able to start with a topic and develop a problem from it, and other times you may come up with a great idea for a problem, then identify associated topics and standards. You might begin with a broad problem or topic as the design challenge. As student groups explore the content and learn about the experiences of those affected, they will narrow it down to a specific problem statement. Sometimes the problem originates with students' ideas or observations but because specific standards to be need addressed, teachers may need to identify the problem. Even in cases where teachers identify the problem that makes up the design challenge, students benefit from having time to develop their own problem statement.
Connect Helping students connect what they meet in the problem with what they already know is important in their constructing understanding. This prior knowledge is going to influence how they approach the problem and make sense of new ideas. They may recognize the similarities or overlap between aspects of the problem and their own experiences and existing knowledge. This can help students connect with the people they are helping through finding a solution to the problem, have a base upon which to begin their work, and make sense of new ideas.
Empathize Learning about the lives and the challenges faced by others is an important part of the DTI process. This should involve students interviewing those affected whenever possible. Students will often be surprised by the day to day needs of their users and how the issue they are addressing has a far reaching impact.
Strategies
Interacting with those affected by an issue can have a huge impact on students understanding of an issue. These interactions might be face-to-face presentations, interviews, Skype or video calls or even just email. Be sure to follow any district policies and ensure the safety of your students.
If direct interaction is not possible, videos or even documentaries can get students involved and encourage the formation of questions. The initial emotional "buy-in" can be the motivation students need to persevere when the challenge gets difficult.