Program Description
Event Details
Design thinking-it's a popular buzzword these days, with companies from IBM to GE using this approach to develop innovative products and reinvigorate their operations.
But what exactly is design thinking and why is it playing an increasingly important role in K-12 education? Design thinking, or human-centered design, is all about focusing on the needs of people to ensure that the correct problem is being solved in the most effective way. With critical thinking skills becoming increasingly important in a knowledge-based economy, many educators see design thinking as a way to tap into students' passions while enabling them to solve problems in an ever-more diverse and interconnected world.
Join our discussion as our panel of experts shares their insight on design thinking and its power to transform classrooms and equip students with 21st century skills vital to success.
Networking Hour and Event Registration: $15.00
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MODERATOR
Dalouge Smith
President and CEO, San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory
Dalouge Smith is in his 12th season leading San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory. He has overseen development of SDYS' vision to "make music education accessible and affordable for all students. In pursuit of this vision, Smith has transformed SDYS into a community instigator for restoring and strengthening music education in schools. SDYS has expanded its work beyond music programs to include measurement, partnerships, community awareness and community action.
PANELISTS
MaeLin Levine
Principal Designer, Visual Asylum
Adjunct Instructor, Design Program, San Diego City College
MaeLin Levine is a principal and designer at Visual Asylum. She was awarded the prestigious AIGA Fellow Award in 2008 and a DSDP Alonzo Award in 2015. Originally from Leadville, Colorado, Levine holds a BFA in Graphic Communications Design from the University of Denver and is a graduate of the joint professional program between Harvard Business School and AIGA. In 2008, Levine turned her attention toward a new passion project as a founder and President of the Board of Trustees of Urban Discovery Academy (UDA)-a highly successful K-8 charter school. Levine is currently spearheading the launch of a new design-thinking focused high school program called IDEATE High Academy. Inspired by Alexander Girard, Charles & Ray Eames, Edith Head, folk art, toys, dolls, fabric and paper, Levine's hallmark style incorporates the bold use of color and whimsical touches.
John Bandringa
Director, Enterprise Strategy & Innovation, Port of San Diego
John Bandringa leads the Port's newly created Enterprise Strategy & Innovation department, created to position the Port as the world's leading customer-centric and innovative public service agency. As Sr. Director of Honeywell User Experience in Seattle, he lead the product design development of advanced mobile computers, handheld scanners and industrial printers. He received his degree for Product and Transportation Design from the Art Center College of Design and holds several cross-industry patents and awards for product development and design, including IDEA Gold, European Red Dot and the Design of the Decade Award for his contributions in design to Volkswagen's New Beetle. John's extensive background spans brand strategy, corporate design and advanced concept development. He has consulted with a number of Fortune 100 companies, including Microsoft, Apple, Starbucks, Boeing, and Disney.
Sonya Wrisley
Founding Principal, Design39Campus
Sonya Wrisley retired after 33 years in education, working as a principal for 24 years.
In August 2014, she was named the principal of an innovative new K-8 school, Design39Campus-the first of its kind in the district. Sonya has been extensively trained in "Adaptive Schools" strategies, which has enhanced her facilitation and presentation skills. Additionally, Sonya is a Certified Extreme Leadership Facilitator. Through LEAP, schools have been able to develop a culture of doing "what you love is service of those who love what you do!" -Steve Farber. Sonya was named as one of The National School Boards Association's (NSBA Technology Leadership Network (TLN) "20 to Watch" honorees for 2014-15.
Sharon Carmichael
Senior Interaction Design Manager, Intuit
Sharon Carmichael is a Senior Interaction Design Manager focused on leading amazing design and mentoring a community of 14 interaction designers working on the award-winning TurboTax product at Intuit. She has 18-years of experience managing design teams of all sizes for a variety of companies. Prior to her current role, she was Manager of User Experience at Sony Electronics and a Design Lead at Hewlett Packard. She actively runs the Customer Experience Special Interest Group in San Diego.
About the Sally Ride Science STEAM Series
UC San Diego and the City of San Diego share a common purpose of inspiring and offering lifelong knowledge and skill development needs for the greater community.
This innovative collaboration aims to connect diverse communities -- educators, civic leaders, industry and the general public- throughout the city, ensuring equity and excellence and helping develop a vital talent pipeline to foster our ongoing regional prosperity.
Three panel presentations will be held throughout the year. An awards gala will be held in November to honor outstanding contributors to STEAM education.