INTEGRATED HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN PLTW CAPSTONE
This integrated capstone combines the human-centered design methodology from the EMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN student workbook and Teaching Human-Centered Design educator handbook with the PLTW Capstone course structure. Students will work in teams to identify real-world problems, design human-centered solutions, and present their work to industry professionals, applying knowledge from across their PLTW pathway.
Learning Objectives
- Apply human-centered design methodology to address authentic community needs
- Follow the PLTW Engineering Design Process Portfolio framework for systematic problem-solving
- Develop professional documentation using physical workbooks and digital portfolios
- Create and present professional-quality artifacts demonstrating the design journey
- Demonstrate transferable skills in problem framing, critical thinking, communication, and AI collaboration
RESOURCES & MATERIALS
Student Materials
- EEMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN: A Student's Guide to Engineering Solutions (1 per 2-3 students)
- Digital spreadsheet portfolio template aligned with PLTW components
- Documentation tools (camera, voice recorder, etc.)
- Prototyping materials (as determined by project needs)
Implementation Timeline Options
36-Week Implementation (Full Academic Year)
- Weeks 1-4: Component 1 & Empathy Phase
- Weeks 5-10: Component 2 & Define Phase
- Weeks 11-16: Component 3 & Ideate Phase
- Weeks 17-24: Component 4 & Prototype/Test Phases
- Weeks 25-30: Component 5 & 6 & Project Evaluation/Presentation
- Weeks 31-36: Component 7 & Career Connection
18-Week Implementation (Single Semester)
- Weeks 1-2: Component 1 & Empathy Phase
- Weeks 3-4: Component 2 & Define Phase
- Weeks 5-6: Component 3 & Ideate Phase
- Weeks 7-12: Component 4 & Prototype/Test Phases
- Weeks 13-16: Component 5 & 6 & Project Evaluation/Presentation
- Weeks 17-18: Component 7 & Career Connection
Component 1: The Capstone Journey + EMPATHY PHASE
How might we develop a deep understanding of our users' experiences and needs while establishing our capstone approach?
Introduction to Capstone Structure
- Review design elements and processes from PLTW pathways
- Introduce HCD methodology using the educator handbook
- Establish portfolio organization aligned with both frameworks
- Set up project management tools and timelines
User Research & Empathy Development
- Conduct and document structured interviews with community stakeholders
- Use interview spaces in the EMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN workbook
- Upload structured data to the spreadsheet's "Empathy" tab
- Apply AI collaboration prompts from the workbook to analyze interview data
- Create user personas based on interview insights
Networking & Community Connection
- Connect with industry professionals as project mentors
- Document stakeholder maps in the workbook
- Establish client partnerships using the HCD frameworks
| Partnership Elements | Description | Documentation Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Community Partner | Information about the organization or individual being served | Interview recordings, partnership agreements, contact logs |
| Need Statement | Clear articulation of the identified need or challenge | Problem statements, context documentation, initial observations |
| Stakeholder Analysis | Identification of all parties affected by the problem and solution | Stakeholder maps, influence diagrams, interview summaries |
Artifact Development: "User Story & Problem Context"
Create a compelling narrative about users and their needs using formats such as:
Assessment Integration
Combine the "Interview Takeaway" rubric from the HCD materials with PLTW Component 1 assessment to evaluate:
- Prose quality and clarity
- Problem framing through perspective analysis
- AI collaboration techniques
- Professional documentation standards
Educator Guidance
For effective facilitation of the Empathy Phase:
- Review the teaching techniques in the Human-Centered Design educator handbook
- Prepare stakeholder connection opportunities in advance
- Practice interview techniques with students before community engagement
- Set up digital portfolio tracking aligned with PLTW requirements
Component 2: Problem Validation + DEFINE PHASE
How might we frame the problem in a way that enables innovative solutions while validating its importance?
Problem Statement Development
- Create "How might we..." statements using the workbook frameworks
- Document problem statement iterations in the spreadsheet
- Apply the problem framing transferable skill from the handbook
- Align with PLTW's "Identification and Justification of the Problem" element
Criteria and Constraints Analysis
- Develop Criteria and Constraints Matrix using the workbook template
- Document research on previous solution attempts (PLTW Element B)
- Create testable design requirements (PLTW Element C)
- Build project GANTT chart in the digital spreadsheet
Project Proposal Development
- Create comprehensive project proposal
- Present and justify solution requirements
- Document feedback from peers and mentors
Artifact Development: "Problem Definition Package"
Create a comprehensive problem definition using formats such as:
Assessment Integration
Combine the HCD "Problem Statement" and "Criteria and Constraints Matrix" rubrics with PLTW Component 2 assessment to evaluate:
- Problem justification quality
- Analysis of previous solution attempts
- Measurability of requirements
- AI collaboration in research and analysis
Educator Guidance
For effective facilitation of the Define Phase:
- Guide students in refining problem statements for clarity and impact
- Support research on existing solutions with structured frameworks
- Encourage specific, measurable criteria development
- Facilitate peer review sessions for problem validation
3. SOLUTION DESIGN + IDEATE PHASE
How might we generate diverse solutions that address the defined problem?
RESOURCES & MATERIALS
Student Materials
- EMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN student workbook sketching spaces
- Digital spreadsheet "Ideate" tab for documenting brainstorming
- Decision matrix templates
- Benchmarking frameworks
Educator Materials
- Teaching Human-Centered Design educator handbook
- Ideation facilitation guides
- STEM integration frameworks
- AI collaboration prompts for ideation
Portfolio Activities
1. Idea Generation
- Use sketching spaces with graph paper backgrounds in the workbook
- Apply structured ideation techniques from both frameworks
- Document brainstorming in the spreadsheet's "Ideate" tab
- Use AI collaboration prompts to expand thinking
2. Concept Selection with STEM Integration
- Apply decision matrices from the workbook templates
- Conduct benchmarking research using the workbook framework
- Integrate PLTW's "Application of STEM Principles and Practices"
- Document design viability analysis (PLTW Element F)
Artifact Development: "Concept Gallery & STEM Application"
Create a showcase of solution concepts using formats such as:
Assessment Integration
Combine HCD "Sketching," "Decision Matrix," and "Benchmarking" rubrics with PLTW Component 3 assessment to evaluate:
- Diversity and detail of solution concepts
- Application of STEM principles and practices
- Design viability consideration
- AI collaboration in concept development
Educator Guidance
Refer to the Teaching Human-Centered Design handbook for:
- Facilitation strategies for diverse ideation techniques
- Methods to encourage STEM integration in design concepts
- Decision-making frameworks to help students evaluate ideas
- AI collaboration prompts that help expand creative thinking
4. PROTOTYPING AND TESTING + PROTOTYPE & TEST PHASES
How might we transform concepts into testable representations and evaluate their effectiveness?
RESOURCES & MATERIALS
Student Materials
- EMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN workbook technical drawing spaces
- Budget template in the workbook
- Testing plan framework
- Prototyping materials (based on project needs)
Educator Materials
- Teaching Human-Centered Design educator handbook
- Prototype development coaching guides
- Testing protocol templates
- AI collaboration prompts for data analysis
Portfolio Activities
1. Prototype Development
- Create technical drawings in designated workbook spaces
- Develop budget estimates using the workbook template
- Construct testable prototype (PLTW Element G)
- Document specifications in the spreadsheet
- Practice the transferable skill of "Knowledge Development"
2. Testing Implementation
- Design experiments using the workbook framework
- Develop testing plan aligned with PLTW Element H
- Conduct testing and collect data (PLTW Element I)
- Document results using workbook templates
- Apply AI collaboration prompts for data analysis
Artifact Development: "Prototype Documentation & Test Results"
Create comprehensive documentation using formats such as:
Assessment Integration
Combine HCD "Budget," "Technical Drawings," "Proof of Concept," "Experiment," and "Evaluate" rubrics with PLTW Component 4 assessment to evaluate:
- Construction quality of testable prototype
- Testing plan comprehensiveness
- Data collection and analysis quality
- AI collaboration in testing and evaluation
Educator Guidance
Refer to the Teaching Human-Centered Design handbook for:
- Strategies for guiding effective prototype development
- Testing protocol development assistance
- Data collection methods appropriate for various project types
- AI collaboration frameworks for data analysis and interpretation
Timeline Recommendations
- 36-Week Schedule:
- Weeks 11-16: Component 3 & Ideate Phase
- Weeks 17-24: Component 4 & Prototype/Test Phases
- 18-Week Schedule:
- Weeks 5-6: Component 3 & Ideate Phase
- Weeks 7-12: Component 4 & Prototype/Test Phases
Component 5 & 6: Project Evaluation & Presentation + FINAL SHOWCASE
How might we evaluate our solution's effectiveness and communicate our design journey?
RESOURCES & MATERIALS
Student Materials
- EMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN student workbook (evaluation templates)
- Digital spreadsheet portfolio (evaluation & presentation tabs)
- Presentation creation tools (video editor, slide software, etc.)
- HCD Video Planning Template from workbook
Educator Materials
- Teaching Human-Centered Design educator handbook
- HCD Video Assessment Rubric
- Presentation Assessment Rubric
- PLTW Components 5 & 6 assessment rubrics
Portfolio Activities
External Evaluation & Reflection
- Document stakeholder feedback (PLTW Element J) in workbook templates
- Reflect on design decisions (PLTW Element K) using structured prompts
- Formulate recommendations (PLTW Element L) for future iterations
- Use evaluation frameworks from the workbook to analyze solution effectiveness
- Apply the "Iteration Skills" transferable skill from handbook to document improvement opportunities
Final Presentation Development
- Create comprehensive project presentation (PLTW Element M) using design thinking frameworks
- Develop technical communication materials (PLTW Element N) that explain solution details
- Use the HCD Video Planning Template from workbook to structure presentation narrative
- Apply Presentation Assessment Rubric guidelines for professional-quality delivery
- Prepare for professional panel presentation with Q&A responses
Artifact Development: "Project Showcase & Professional Presentation"
Create a comprehensive showcase of your project using one or more of these formats:
Assessment Integration
Combine HCD "Video Assessment Rubric" and "Presentation Assessment Rubric" with PLTW Components 5 & 6 assessment to evaluate:
- Quality and comprehensiveness of external evaluation documentation
- Depth of reflection on design project decisions and outcomes
- Clarity and actionability of designers' recommendations
- Professional quality of project presentation materials and delivery
- Technical communication effectiveness and accessibility to varied audiences
- Ability to respond to questions and defend design decisions
Educator Guidance
When facilitating the final evaluation and presentation phase:
- Arrange for diverse stakeholders to participate in the final evaluation panel
- Provide structured feedback forms aligned with both HCD and PLTW frameworks
- Coach students on professional presentation techniques using handbook resources
- Emphasize the importance of telling a coherent design story from problem to solution
- Help students prepare for challenging questions about their design decisions
Component 7: Beyond Common Capstone + CAREER CONNECTION
How might we leverage our capstone experience for future opportunities?
RESOURCES & MATERIALS
Student Materials
- EMPATHY-CENTERED DESIGN student workbook (reflection section)
- Digital portfolio compilation guidelines
- Resume development resources
- College and career research tools
Educator Materials
- Teaching Human-Centered Design educator handbook (transferable skills section)
- Career connection resources and contacts
- Competition and scholarship information database
- Post-capstone opportunity planning guide
Portfolio Activities
Career Readiness Development
- Explore college and career opportunities related to your design interests
- Connect HCD transferable skills to future academic and professional pathways
- Investigate competitions and scholarships where your capstone project could be featured
- Document your learning journey, highlighting key growth moments and insights
- Research industry trends related to your project domain
Professional Portfolio Finalization
- Compile a comprehensive digital and physical portfolio showcasing your design process
- Create a resume that highlights your capstone experience and transferable skills
- Develop an elevator pitch for your project that emphasizes problem-solving approach
- Format portfolio materials for different audiences (technical, general, academic)
- Include documentation of your AI collaboration techniques and outcomes
Artifact Development: "Professional Identity Package"
Create a professional identity package that leverages your capstone experience:
Assessment Integration
Use the frameworks from the Teaching Human-Centered Design handbook to assess the ten key transferable skills alongside PLTW's career readiness expectations:
- Problem Framing: Ability to independently identify and articulate complex design challenges
- Perspective Analysis: Synthesis of multiple stakeholder viewpoints into coherent insights
- Knowledge Development: Self-directed research skills and information synthesis
- Critical Thinking: Analytical approach to design problems using evidence and reasoning
- Iteration Skills: Demonstrated ability to evolve ideas through structured feedback
- Collaboration: Effective teamwork and contribution to group objectives
- Concision: Clear and efficient communication of complex ideas
- AI Collaboration: Strategic use of AI tools to enhance design process
- Prose Quality: Professional writing and documentation standards
- Project Consistency: Coherent through-line from problem to solution
Educator Guidance
Support students in translating their capstone experience into career readiness:
- Connect students with industry professionals in fields related to their capstone projects
- Provide interview practice sessions using real-world design challenges
- Help students identify specific examples from their capstone that demonstrate transferable skills
- Organize portfolio review sessions with design professionals
- Create opportunities for students to present their work to underclassmen
- Facilitate scholarship and competition applications related to student projects
Implementation Timeline
36-Week Implementation (Full Academic Year)
- Weeks 1-4: Component 1 & Empathy Phase
- Weeks 5-10: Component 2 & Define Phase
- Weeks 11-16: Component 3 & Ideate Phase
- Weeks 17-24: Component 4 & Prototype/Test Phases
- Weeks 25-30: Component 5 & 6 & Project Evaluation/Presentation
- Weeks 31-36: Component 7 & Career Connection
18-Week Implementation (Single Semester)
- Weeks 1-2: Component 1 & Empathy Phase
- Weeks 3-4: Component 2 & Define Phase
- Weeks 5-6: Component 3 & Ideate Phase
- Weeks 7-12: Component 4 & Prototype/Test Phases
- Weeks 13-16: Component 5 & 6 & Project Evaluation/Presentation
- Weeks 17-18: Component 7 & Career Connection