Empathy-Based Product Hack Lesson Plan
Empathy-Based Product Hack Lesson Plan
This project was designed for 11th grade high school students with no prior design experience in an Introduction to UX/UI course. The goal was to introduce students to the principles of human-centered design through an interactive empathy-based redesign activity. Students explored the role of empathy in design, analyzed examples of good vs. bad design, and collaborated in groups to create and present prototypes for improved products.
Google Slides (lesson presentation)
Google Docs (worksheet, product cards, user personas, rubric)
Prototyping materials (playdough, cardboard, paper, markers, tape, etc.)
By the end of this lesson, students were able to:
Define Human-Centered Design (HCD) – Explain empathy’s role in design and why user needs must guide solutions.
Analyze Good vs. Bad Design – Differentiate between designs that enhance usability and those that create barriers.
Apply Empathy Mapping – Use empathy maps to consider user feelings, challenges, and needs when redesigning a product.
Prototype & Present Solutions – Build or sketch a product redesign and explain design choices in a group presentation.
Scaffolded Introduction: Began with a Do Now reflection on bad product experiences to activate prior knowledge.
Concept Exploration: Students learned empathy’s role in HCD and discussed real-world good vs. bad design examples (e.g., curb cuts, stovetop layouts).
Active Learning: Groups received product and user persona cards, completed empathy maps, and built prototypes with hands-on materials.
Collaboration & Communication: Culminated in student presentations explaining design challenges, empathy findings, and prototype choices.
Extension Opportunity: Prototyping and presentations could span two class periods, depending on engagement.
Worksheet & Empathy Maps: Evidence of student understanding of user needs.
Prototype Presentations: Groups explained redesign choices and connected them to user personas.
Rubric-Based Evaluation: Students assessed on empathy understanding, creativity, prototype clarity, and presentation.
Wrap-Up Reflection: Prompt asked: “How could thinking with empathy help you in everyday life or in a future job?”