Observe the Challenge

Observe the Challenge

The aim is to help the students develop their observational skills.

1. The students select who/what is relevant to observe in relation to their specific challenge and agree on a time and place to carry out an observation. It is essential that they draw up a clear contract between themselves and any individuals or groups who will be observed.
2. The students decide on the focus of their proposed observations and how they will document the data they gather. The observation is then carried out.
3. Data from the observation is analysed with the relevant points for the challenge being selected.
4. The data is displayed next to the challenge to allow the students to incorporate potential solutions for the challenge - this may lead to adjustments to the formulation of the challenge.
5. The teacher helps the students in reviewing the challenge and discusses what knowledge the students have acquired that helped them learn more about the challenge.  For example, does it suggest new perspectives or should they adjust the challenge formulation?
6. Relevant data in relation to understanding the challenge is incorporated into the idea generation of a suggested innovative and meaningful solution.

The area for the activity could be an everyday life event, the application of a product, a workflow or an individual within a target group. The observation contract ensures that all parties agree to and understand relevant data from the observations. Students should choose the most appropriate method for their challenge observations - either qualitative or quantitative methods. Observation creates perspectives which will be analysed by the students which may lead to the discovery of new information to create credible and valued solutions to the challenge.
The activity could be done using online tools such as Padlet, virtual whiteboard and breakout rooms in Teams/Zoom.

Inspired by: Steinar Kvale, Otto Scharmer Adapted to this format by Anni Stavnskær
Watch the development of a shopping cart by observation and experimentation: https://youtu.be/M66ZU2PCIcM