April 29, 2025:
As part of the 17th National Scientific Research and Innovation Exhibition, Ms Shahanaz Sultana and Ms Aneesha Majeed had the opportunity to attend an enriching workshop titled “Prototyping and Problem-Solving Using Design Thinking” held on 29th April 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the Ministry of Education, Qatar.
The session was led by Engineer Khaled Al-Sayed, Director of Events and Cultural Activities at the Cultural Village Foundation–Katara and a Board Member of the Qatar Society of Engineers. His presentation provided a comprehensive overview of design thinking, its origins, and its application in real-life problem-solving scenarios.
Engineer Khaled emphasized the five key stages of design thinking:
- Empathize
- Define
- Ideate
- Prototype
- Test
He effectively illustrated how these steps can be implemented to address challenges, especially those encountered in educational settings. One of the key messages was the importance of viewing problems through a creative and design-oriented lens, encouraging us to break away from conventional thinking patterns.
The session also inspired participants to unleash their creativity, highlighting that there are no limits to innovation. He reinforced the idea that schools are fertile grounds for creative thought and innovation, being the places where fresh ideas often emerge.
The workshop concluded with the submission of a feedback form, allowing participants to reflect on the session’s effectiveness and provide suggestions.
- Understanding and applying the five steps of design thinking
- The potential of design thinking to solve common school-level issues • Encouragement to think creatively and foster innovation within the school environment
This workshop was a valuable experience that not only deepened our understanding of design thinking but also empowered us to approach challenges with a renewed creative mindset. It was a timely reminder of the innovative potential that lies within educational institutions and the role of teachers in nurturing it.
