LIMITATION: The concern is that the solution may not be the best outcome and with time may no longer be relevant. The model should have an additional step at the end which reflects on the relevance of the solution ie an EVALUATION phase which confirms the sustainability of the solution or questions its continuation. If the solution is no longer relevant then the process ahould start again.

Understanding the user's experiences, emotions ,environments and challenges.

Why? Design starts with people and not assumptions

2.Define

Synthesise insights and clearly articulate the real problem, well defined problems directs purposefully solutions.

3.Ideate.

Generate a wide range of creative user driven possibilities without judgement. It opens space for innovation.

4.Prototype

Build simple and tangible versions of ideas to visualise possible solutions.creating ideas tends to reveal what will work and what doesn't.

5.Test

Gather feedback from users by observing how they interact with protypes . Testing validates assumptions and uncovers improvements.

6.Implement

Launch the refined solution into real world use, monitor its performance, and continuously improve it based on the user feedback. This ensures the design doesnt end at testing ,recognising that good design is never final as it adapts to user needs chnage.

So I believe keeping them together matches how real learning design works.

Limitations: The model does not include an implementation stage. This means it never shows what happens when the final idea is actually used in a real scenario. Because of this, there is no clear final solution or plan for how the idea will work long-term.

To redesign I would add these stages-

Monitoring: To check if the design is engaging, sustainable and progressing.

Implementation: To actually choose and use the final idea in a real life situation.

Reflection: To think about what worked, what didn’t, and whether the idea is sustainable.

A key strength of this model is that it begins with Empathise. This helps the designer fully understand the users’ needs before trying to come up with any solutions. It keeps the process very user-centred.

Limitation:

One limitation I noticed is that the model does not clearly include a Reflection stage. Reflection is important because it allows learners to think about what worked, what didn’t, and how their ideas changed. Without reflection, some important learning may be missed.

2. What extra stage or emphasis I would add if redesigning the model

If I were redesigning the model for our class projects, I would add a Reflection stage at the end.

This stage would give students time to evaluate their decisions, think about feedback, and identify improvements for the next iteration.

I would also emphasise Collaboration, because in real classrooms and group work, ideas often become stronger when students share perspectives and work together. Collaboration could be encouraged especially during the Empathise, Ideate, and Test stages.

3. My adapted version of the model

This is the version I created by adding reflection and highlighting collaboration:

Empathise – Understand the users through interviews or observations.

Define – Clearly identify the problem based on the information gathered.

Ideate – Brainstorm many ideas (preferably with peers).

Prototype – Build simple models or early versions of the ideas.

Test – Try the prototype, gather feedback, and see what needs improvement.

Reflect (Added Stage) – Think about what worked, what didn’t, and what changes should be made before the next cycle.