Join us for a one-day interactive workshop in the Camosun Makerspace, where we’ll explore how human-centred design can transform learning experiences. This hands-on session will guide instructors through the design process emphasizing empathy, iteration, and creative problem-solving while experiencing it firsthand. 

Over the course of the day, participants will engage in rapid prototyping, collaborative brainstorming, and structured reflection to apply human-centred design principles in their own teaching. By the end of the workshop, each instructor will leave with a classroom-ready activity or assignment designed to enhance student engagement. Whether you're looking to integrate design thinking into your curriculum, incorporate more experiential learning, or refresh your teaching approach, this session will provide practical tools and inspiration.

Human-centred design emphasizes empathy, co-creation, and iterative learning, enabling educators to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into their teaching. By promoting values-driven decision-making, experiential learning, and meaningful partnerships with real-world stakeholders, HCD supports the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into educational practices. 

Workshop Goals

Applying Human-centred design to teaching 

• Experience the HCD process firsthand by working through a design challenge relevant to education. 
• Learn strategies for incorporating HCD into lesson planning, assignment design, and classroom activities. 

Enhancing student engagement 

• Design learning experiences that prioritize students’ needs, motivations, and challenges. 
• Explore ways to encourage creative problem-solving, collaboration, and student-driven inquiry. 

Creating a classroom-ready activity or assignment 

• Develop a practical, classroom-ready activity or assignment that integrates HCD principles. 
• Receive feedback from peers and facilitators to refine the design before implementation.  

Facilitator: Adam Haigler, Wield Consulting

Adam Haigler is an educator, author, and consultant dedicated to transforming education through innovative, human-centred approaches. As the Co-Founder Emeritus of Open Way Learning and founder of WIELD, he collaborates with schools to create learner-centered cultures of innovation. With a background in experiential education, Adam has led real-world learning programs, including service-learning trips in Central America and East Africa, and co-founded a program focused on traditional crafts, outdoor leadership, and sustainable living. His teaching tenure at Tri-County Early College integrated project-based learning and competency-based assessment, earning him regional recognition. As co-author of Open Up Education and contributing author of The Gap Year Advantage, Adam advocates for more experiential, authentic, and student-centered learning experiences, making him a valuable contributor to workshops that empower educators to reimagine their classrooms.