HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN CAPSTONE PROJECT

User Interview Documentation

• Conduct and record structured interviews with community stakeholders
• Document verbatim quotes and observations in the EMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN workbook
• Upload structured data to the "Empathy" tab in the digital spreadsheet
• Create user personas based on interview insights

Empathy Analysis with AI Collaboration

• Use the AI collaboration prompts from the workbook to analyze interview data
• Document observations, insights, and questions in designated workbook spaces
• Create empathy maps connecting observations to potential needs
• Practice the transferable skill of "Problem Framing" as highlighted in the handbook

Problem Statement Development

• Create "How might we..." statements based on empathy findings
• Use the problem statement frameworks from the EMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN workbook
• Document problem statement iterations in the "Define" tab of the digital spreadsheet
• Apply the transferable skill of "Engineering Communication" from the handbook

Criteria and Constraints Analysis

• Develop the Criteria and Constraints Matrix using the workbook template
• Identify technical, economic, and social constraints
• Apply weighted evaluation as described in the handbook
• Create a project GANTT chart in the digital spreadsheet

Idea Generation

• Use the sketching spaces with graph paper backgrounds in the workbook
• Apply structured ideation techniques described in the handbook
• Document brainstorming in the "Ideate" tab of the digital spreadsheet
• Use AI collaboration prompts from the workbook to expand thinking

Concept Selection and Benchmarking

• Apply decision matrices from the workbook templates
• Conduct benchmarking research using the workbook framework
• Document concept selection rationale in the spreadsheet
• Practice the transferable skill of "Innovation Process" from the handbook

Prototype Planning

• Develop budget estimates using the workbook template
• Create technical drawings in designated spaces
• Document specifications in the "Prototype" tab of the spreadsheet
• Practice the transferable skill of "Knowledge Development" from the handbook

Prototype Development

• Document the proof of concept process with the workbook's structured approach
• Track iterations and modifications in the digital spreadsheet
• Use AI collaboration prompts for technical specification refinement
• Create testing protocols for prototype evaluation

Testing Implementation

• Design experiments using the structured framework in the workbook
• Document test conditions and procedures in the "Test" tab of the spreadsheet
• Record quantitative and qualitative results using workbook templates
• Apply AI collaboration prompts for data analysis

Refinement and Reflection

• Use the evaluation frameworks from the workbook
• Analyze results against original criteria and constraints
• Document improvements in the spreadsheet
• Practice the transferable skill of "Iteration Cycles" from the handbook

Video Development

Use the "Video Assessment Rubric" and "Video Planning Template" from the HCD Consolidated Rubrics to guide students in creating compelling project videos that:

• Hook the audience with a clear problem statement
• Present a goal for the solution with convincing value proposition
• Describe competitive advantages
• Inspire confidence with appropriate details
• Make a strong closing argument

Presentation Development

Use the "Presentation Assessment Rubric" to guide students in creating comprehensive presentations that:

• Clearly convey what the client wanted
• Explain why specific approaches were taken
• Show how well the solution performed
• Outline what comes next
• Deliver a clear message with supportive visuals

Portfolio Assessment

Use both physical workbooks and digital spreadsheets to assess:

• Completeness of documentation across all design phases
• Evidence of iterative thinking and refinement
• Integration of AI collaboration techniques
• Quality of reflections and insights

Transferable Skills Assessment

Use the frameworks from the Teaching Human-Centered Design handbook to assess the ten key transferable skills:

• Problem framing
• Situational awareness
• Focus
• Optimism
• Self-management
• Creative thinking
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Iteration skills

External Evaluation

Use the "External Evaluation Criteria" from the HCD Consolidated Rubrics for final project assessment:

• Development of trust and understanding with clients
• Systematic problem breakdown and analysis
• Feasibility and justification of concepts
• System-level design detail
• Clear path forward based on testing and feedback

For Educators New to HCD

• Begin by familiarizing yourself with both the EMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN student workbook and Teaching Human-Centered Design educator handbook
• Set up the digital spreadsheet system for your class and review the tabbed organization
• Plan project timelines using the GANTT chart methodologies from the handbook
• Prepare for AI integration by reviewing the AI collaboration frameworks

For Experienced HCD Educators

• Use the assessment rubrics to enhance evaluation consistency
• Leverage the AI collaboration techniques to deepen student learning
• Explore the advanced coaching prompts for facilitating complex projects
• Implement the transferable skills assessment to track student development