A Curated List of Design Thinking Resources for Educators

Educators and students at all levels are using design thinking to create solutions for real-world problems. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking for fresh ideas, this updated and curated list features high-quality resources that are free, low-cost, or easily accessible to help you get started today.

Essential Toolkits & Guides

• IDEO U & Design Thinking for Educators

  A comprehensive toolkit and set of resources from the leading design firm. It provides a step-by-step process for applying design thinking in the classroom. This is an excellent starting point for any educator.

  Explore the IDEO Toolkit
• Stanford d.school K12 Lab

  The home of modern design thinking offers a range of tools and project ideas specifically for K-12 teachers. Their famous “Wallet Project” is a fun and engaging way to introduce design thinking to students.

  Visit the Stanford d.school K12 Lab
• Frog Design’s Collective Action Toolkit

  A free, downloadable toolkit with activities to help groups organize and collaboratively create solutions. This is perfect for team-based projects in the classroom.

  Download the Collective Action Toolkit
• HFLI Learning Studio: Design Thinking Educator Resources

  A resource library offering free mini-lessons, design challenges, and activities for K-12 educators. These are especially useful for getting started with specific parts of the design process, like Empathy Mapping or Ideation.

  Explore HFLI Learning Studio

Practical, Ready-to-Use Curricula & Lessons

• Google’s Applied Digital Skills Program

  This program offers a free curriculum with project-based lessons that naturally integrate a design thinking approach. Students learn digital skills while following a “prototype, test, and refine” model.

  Explore Google’s Applied Digital Skills
• AIGA Design Teaching Resource

  The AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) hosts a peer-populated platform where educators can share assignments and teaching materials. It’s a great place to get inspiration and connect with other design-minded teachers.

  Browse the AIGA Resource
• California Academy of Sciences: Design Thinking Challenges

  A collection of lesson plans that use design thinking to solve real-world problems related to science and the environment, such as designing a sustainable food system. Great for STEM classrooms.

  View the Science-Based Challenges
• TeachEngineering

  This resource offers free, standards-aligned STEM curriculum for grades K-12. Many of the lessons are structured around the engineering design process, a close cousin of design thinking.

  Search the TeachEngineering Curriculum

Inspiring Case Studies & Background

• Edutopia: Design Thinking in Schools

  A trusted source for innovative teaching, Edutopia provides articles, videos, and blog posts from educators who have successfully implemented design thinking in their classrooms. A great resource for real-world examples and inspiration.

  View Edutopia’s Design Thinking Collection
• Project H Design

  This non-profit organization uses design thinking to improve education and communities. The documentary “If You Build It” highlights their work and provides a powerful case study for students on design as a social act.

  Learn About Project H Design
• IBM SkillsBuild: Free Design Thinking Course

  IBM offers a free online course for students and educators to learn the basics of design thinking. It’s a great way for older students to earn a digital badge and add a valuable skill to their resume.

  Enroll in the IBM Course

Advanced Reading & Professional Development

• “What is Design Thinking?” by IxDF

  This comprehensive article provides a detailed overview of design thinking, its mindsets, and frameworks. It is a fantastic resource for educators who want to go deeper into the theory behind the practice.

  Read the Article from the Interaction Design Foundation
• UVA Darden School of Business Online Courses

  For higher education professionals and motivated high school teachers, UVA offers a series of courses that apply design thinking to complex problems, including those in the social and public sectors.

  Discover Darden’s Online Courses
• Stanford University’s Online Creativity & Design Thinking Program

  A series of online courses and certificate programs to help you continuously produce breakthrough ideas. The content is directly from the Stanford d.school faculty.

  Explore Stanford’s Online Program