Empathy in Action:

Building School
Houses
Welcome to Empathy in
Action
Explore the creative journey of building school
houses with empathy and design thinking. Let's
embark on a meaning ful adventure tog ether!
The Power of Design
Thinking
Design thinking is a creative approach to problem-solving
that places the needs of the user at the center. It
encourag es innovation and collaboration in finding
solutions.

Focus on Users:
Unlike traditional problem-solving methods that might
prioritize technical feasibility or business goals first,
design thinking prioritizes understanding the people for
whom you're designing.

Iterative Process:
It's not a linear process with a single right answer. It's
iterative, meaning you constantly test, refine, and
improve
your ideas based on user feedback.pen_spark
The Power of Design
Thinking
Five Stages: The process is typically broken down into
five stages:
Empathize: Understand the needs and challenges of your
target
users through research methods like interviews,
observations, and surveys.
Define: Clearly define the problem you're trying to solve
based on your user research.
Ideate: Brainstorm a wide range of creative solutions to the
defined problem.
Prototype: Build low-fidelity prototypes (like mockups or
basic models) to quickly test your ideas with users.
Test: Get feedback from users on your prototypes and iterate
on
your design based on their input.
Understanding
Empathy
Empathy is the key ingredient in creating meaningful
change. It involves putting yourself in someone
else's shoes and truly understanding their needs
and challenges.

Going Beyond Assumptions:

It's not about simply observing users or making
assumptions about their needs. It's about actively
putting yourself in their shoes and experiencing
their world from their point of view.

Deep Understanding:
The goal is to develop a deep understanding of the
user's problems, frustrations, goals, and
motivations. This involves techniques like user
interviews, observations, and surveys.
Identifying Community
Needs
Engage with the local community to understand
their unique challenges and aspirations. Listen with
empathy and observe with an open heart.

Empower the community to be part of the solution.

Work together to develop innovative ideas that
address their specific needs and reflect their
values.

Use empathy as a guiding force in the design

process. Create spaces that not only meet functional
needs but also foster a sense of belonging and
inspiration.
EMPATHY IN SCHOOL
HOUSE DESIGN

Schoolhouse design itself doesn't directly create empathy,

but it can be used strateg ically to facilitate empathy-
building activities and create a more inclusive environment.
Here's how:
Flexible Spaces:
Movable furniture and designated collaboration areas allow
for students to work together in groups, fostering
communication and understanding of different
perspectives.

N atural Lig ht and Open Layouts:

These elements create a more transparent and inviting
atmosphere, encouraging interaction and reducing
feelings of isolation.
 EMPATHY IN
SCHOOL HOUSE
DESIGN
Visual Cues for Inclusivity:
Diverse artwork, books, and educational materials on display can
spark conversations about different cultures and
backgrounds, promoting empathy and understanding.

Comfort and Accessibility:

Ensuring comfortable seating, proper lighting for different needs,
and accessible features like ramps can demonstrate care and
inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging for all students.

Flexible Learning Zones:

Having designated quiet areas, group work spaces, and resource
centers allows students to find spaces that suit their learning styles
and needs.
This shows respect for individual differences and fosters understanding.
 CHALLENGES
FACED IN SCHOOL
HOUSE DESIGN
Building a school house can be challenging because
of many challenges that need to be addressed,
including:

Location: Finding the right location

Permits: S ecuring the necessary

permits

S taff: Hiring the rig ht staff

Culture: Creating a positive culture

CHALLENGES FACED
IN SCHOOL HOUSE
DESIGN
Funding:
M any experts arg ue that school infrastructural problems persist
larg ely due to underfunding.

Noise interference:
Schools located on main streets may face challenges such as noise
interference from traffic, which can disrupt teaching and learning
activities

Environmental challeng es:

Building construction and deconstruction are significant sources of
pollutants and solid waste. New buildings can lead to habitat
destruction, air quality concerns, pollution, and water quality issues for
communities
 FEW
REQUIRED
CHANGES
There are many problems faced by student and staff
in a traditional school house designs. Here are some
of the changes we think should be made:

Location:
chose location with least pollution and noise problems.
Also the schools shouldn't be in outskirts/too far from the
city.
2. S taff:
The staff's both general behavior and knowledge
should be checked before hiring them
M ulti-Functional S paces:
Design classrooms with designated areas for lectures, group projects, presentations, and
quiet study. This caters to diverse learning styles and activities.

Sound-absorbing materials:
Traditional schoolhouse desig n can have echo issues. To address this, incorporate
sound- absorbing materials like fabric wall panels, acoustic ceiling tiles, or even
strategically placed plants.

Integrate power sources within work surfaces or seating:

Many elementary, middle and high schools strive to equip each student with one laptop or tablet.
In fact, offering universal access to technology is important for combating educational inequities.

Noise interferace:
• Chosing a right and noiseless location for building the school is one solution.
•Using noise cancellation windows and walls can also help in resolving this issue as long as
the budget holds
1. Usage of hologram in teaching for better
2.Usage of natural air coolent system instead of AC which release harmful gases
visualization
3.In case of fire or any emergency, there should be oxygen masks should be accessible on
every table along with an emergency gate from classroom window to outside free space.
4.Movable walls and furniture which helps to adjust class environment according to needs
and situations

Environment —

The environment needs be engaging without providing sensory overload or extensive

distractions for students with ADHD or similar challenges.
Allowing classrooms to be flexible, and providing more than just a series of rows of desks
is important. Plan smaller collaborative areas.
Use tables in lieu of desks so special needs students in wheelchairs can get close and
participate. Consider a mixture of stand-up desks with fidget bars, and allow students to move from
one area to another reasonably frequently so they stay engaged and focused.