This past week in class we had the opportunity to take part in a Thinking boot camp. It was a wonderful experience and very different learning style than a typical class lecture given in some of my other classes. In the boot camp, I learned some interviewing skills. It is important to ask questions that are not to general but not extremely specific. It is really helpful if the other person shares personal stories. However, one of the most challenging parts of the boot camp was the fact that we were being timed. I felt like I needed to gather as much information as possible in the initial discover phase and I started getting nervous knowing that we were in a time crunch. I really like to think, reason, and solve problems so this exercise was right up my alley in that sense. Additionally, as somebody who is interested in entrepreneurship and creating new products I felt excited to build my 3d towers.
One step of the Design Thinking Process that really stood out to me was the create phase. I got to create a 3d internet and battery charging tower out of pipe cleaners and a lollipop. My partner Kaylee was able to experience my prototype product even though it was not yet perfected. The goal of my product was to enhance the cellphone user experience by being able to wirelessly charge your phone when you are within a certain range of the tower and have an internet connection especially when your international data is weak abroad. This step of the process was my favorite because I prefer hands on activities where I can fully engage my mind and body and don’t get distracted easily.  Additionally, I like to see ideas come to life and the best way to do that in my opinion is to build it if you can.