Human-Centered Design Through Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

[Abstract] Implementing Project-Based Learning in the classroom presents various challenges. It involves students collaborating in teams to tackle intricate problems, fostering the development of creative and critical thinking skills. One approach to address this challenge is through the utilization of Design Sprint (DS), an agile methodology typically completed within a five-day timeframe. DS aims to generate innovative designs that are rooted in user needs. Human-Centered Design (HCD) is an approach to problem-solving that focuses on understanding the needs, desires, and behaviors of the people who will use the product or service. HCD and DS are complementary approaches that can be used together to design effective, user-centered solutions. In the present work, they have been used to develop an Engineering Drawing classroom experience linked to Service-learning. Service-learning is an educational approach that combines community service with classroom instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. The experience integrated theory and practice, hard and soft skills, and empowered students to conduct research. The activities were designed both for face-to-face and remote learning activities. The effectiveness of the HCD-DS methodology in promoting an interactive learning environment and improving time management skills was demonstrated through the evaluation of prototypes using co-evaluation, hetero-evaluation, and self-evaluation rubrics. The approach offers several advantages, such as its adaptability to various fields and subjects and its simplicity.