Design Thinking & UX Innovation Challenge

A Hands-On SPE-ICE Career Exploration Experience

No design or technology background required—just curiosity, creativity and a willingness to think differently!

Step into the exciting world of innovation, user experience (UX) design and creative problem-solving in this interactive, hands-on SPE-ICE experience!

Students will discover how businesses and technology companies develop new ideas, improve customer experiences and solve real-world problems. Through collaborative activities, industry-inspired challenges and practical exercises, participants will explore how creativity, technology and business come together to shape the products and services we use every day.

Learn Design Thinking & Agile Teamwork

The day begins with an engaging introduction to two approaches used by leading organizations to develop innovative solutions: Design Thinking and Agile Teamwork.

Students will learn how to understand user needs, identify problems, brainstorm creative solutions and work collaboratively to turn ideas into action. Through interactive exercises, they'll discover how professional innovation teams test ideas, respond to feedback and continuously improve their work.

Hands-On User Experience (UX) Activities

What makes an app easy to use? Why do some websites frustrate users while others make everything feel effortless? How do companies design experiences that people actually enjoy?

Students will explore the fundamentals of UX design through beginner-friendly, collaborative activities. They'll learn to think from the user's perspective, identify everyday challenges and discover how small design decisions can make a significant difference.

No coding or specialized software is required. The focus is on creativity, communication, teamwork and practical problem-solving.

SPE-ICE Challenge: Innovate for a Better Experience

Students will put their new skills into action through a collaborative, industry-inspired innovation challenge.

Working in teams, participants will apply Design Thinking and Agile principles to explore a real-world user experience problem, develop a creative solution and bring their ideas to life through simple prototypes and visual concepts.

Teams will test their ideas, gather feedback and refine their solutions before presenting their final concepts. Industry representatives will provide feedback and help students understand how similar challenges are approached in professional workplaces.

Explore Careers in Innovation & Technology

Throughout the experience, students will discover career pathways in UX design, product development, business innovation, digital technology, project management and creative industries.

They'll explore how professionals from different backgrounds collaborate to create products, services and experiences that solve problems and improve people's lives.

What Students Will Experience

• Introduction to Design Thinking and Agile Teamwork
• Interactive UX design and creative problem-solving activities
• Collaborative brainstorming, prototyping and user testing
• Real-world, industry-inspired SPE-ICE innovation challenge
• Team presentations, feedback and recognition
• Career exploration in UX, technology, business and innovation
• Development of communication, collaboration and critical-thinking skills

Recommended SHSM Sectors

Information & Communications Technology | Business | Arts & Culture | Non-Profit | Health & Wellness | Manufacturing

Program Format: Full-day, beginner-friendly experiential learning workshop featuring hands-on activities, career exploration and a collaborative SPE-ICE challenge.

Delivered by: Flashpoint Training with industry partners.