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Category Commended

2023

The B!G Idea — Creativity Cards

STUDIO / DESIGNER

The B!G Idea

Kim Mackenzie-Doyle

thebigidea.ie

CATEGORY

Universal Design

Special Awards

CONTRIBUTORS

Kim Mackenzie-Doyle (CEO, Creative Director)
Janine Leahy (Designer)
Fiona Byrne (Former Head of Education)
Niamh Cooney (Head of Development & Sustainability)
Patrick Freeley (Motion Graphics)
Alison Blake (Community Manager)
Niamh Murray (Programme Manager)
Christine Tobin (Communications)
Mairead Mulhern (Senior Fundraiser)
Siobhan Blaney (Head of Education)
Joanne McGovern (Programme Manager)
Anna Ganych (Operations)
Ciaran Kelly (Programme Manager)

Design Challenge and Design Ideas

Today’s youth confront unprecedented global challenges, from hidden poverty and mental health issues to inclusivity and climate change. Their education is grounded in a 1950’s system ill-suited for our complex world.

The B!G Idea democratises creative thinking through free hybrid workshops, led by teachers from diverse disciplines. These workshops empower students to wield creativity for problem-solving.

Feedback from 2000+ students on our 2022 programmes revealed a common struggle in the ideation stage, especially among our diverse 15-19-year-old demographic, including TY, LCA, Youthreach, CTC, and neurodiverse students.

At The B!G Idea’s core lies an unwavering commitment to accessibility, including the democratisation of Design Thinking language. Historically, complex terminology has obscured this impactful process, creating barriers. Our mission is to demystify this language, convey its potential, and foster an inclusive tone for our diverse young audience. The challenge was to support young people further through a key programme stage.

How the brief was fulfilled

Development of the Creativity Card Kit stemmed from a collaborative project between The B!G Idea and the Centre of Excellence of Universal Design (CEUD), driven by the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This kit has subsequently evolved into a pivotal element within The B!G Idea programme.

Our pedagogical approach was shaped by Universal Design (UD) principles, influencing our design decisions:

Equitable Use: Integrates with the programme, offering digital and audio text options along with downloadable PDFs, ensuring accessibility for all.
Flexibility in Use: The kit accommodates various learning preferences, fostering both collaborative and individual project options.
Simple and Intuitive: With stacked learning stages, accessible language, and formats, the kit enhances comprehension and usability.
Perceptible Information: It encompasses both digital and physical content, catering to diverse sensory modalities.
Tolerance for Error: Our approach encourages learning through failure, bolstering resilience.
Low Physical Effort: The kit is thoughtfully organised for effortless use, contained within a user-friendly ring binder.
Size and Space for Approach and Use: Designed for utilisation before, during, and after the programme, it supports skill retention.
The Creativity Card Kit places equal emphasis on content acquisition and the structural framework for learning. Our pedagogical approach aligns with the learning theories of Constructionism and Constructivism.

The substantial impact of the Creativity Card Kits substantiates our mission to empower young minds, bridging the education-industry divide. In 2023, all 100% of participating students agreed that the Creativity Card Kit, complemented by digital workshop resources, significantly contributed to the development of essential skills.

Aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our Creativity Card Kit nurtures students’ creative and critical thinking skills to address pressing global challenges. SDG 4 (Quality Education) is our focal point, removing barriers and equipping students with skills to address issues such as Hidden Poverty (SDG 1), Mental Health (SDG 3), Diversity and Inclusion (SDG 10), Displaced People (SDG 16), and Climate Change (SDG 13). Our collaborative approach exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while student engagement with industry mentors contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), developing innovative solutions to collective challenges.

In a rapidly evolving world, the importance of design thinking has never been more pronounced. As global challenges grow in complexity, from climate change to social inequalities, it is imperative to foster a generation of creative problem solvers who can tackle these issues head-on. The Creativity Card Kit, an innovative initiative developed by The B!G Idea in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence of Universal Design (CEUD), emerges as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.

The Creativity Card Kit was conceived as a response to the pressing need for creative thinking skills among today’s youth. It emerged from a profound understanding that traditional education, often rooted in outdated paradigms, is ill-equipped to prepare students for the challenges they will inherit.

The impact of the Creativity Card Kit is not merely anecdotal; it is substantiated by empirical evidence. In a survey of 4000, 2023 students, 100% attested that the kit, along with accompanying digital workshop resources, significantly contributed to the development of key skills and competencies. These included creative thinking, research and investigation, overall well-being, confidence, communication, collaboration, resilience, empathy, and the ability to learn from failure—embracing a concept affectionately termed “Flearning.”

As judges seek entries that encourage engagement with design, demonstrate collaboration and outreach from education, and raise awareness of the value of design, the Creativity Card Kit shines as an exemplary initiative. It represents a vision where design is not confined to the studio but becomes a vehicle for empowerment, inclusivity, and positive change. It underscores the profound impact that design thinking can have on individuals and society, transcending boundaries and shaping a more sustainable and equitable world. The Creativity Card Kit is not merely a tool; it is a catalyst for a brighter, more innovative future.

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Underscores the profound impact that design thinking can have on individuals and society, transcending boundaries and shaping a more sustainable and equitable world. To be commended on their commitment to accessibility, including the democratisation of Design Thinking language. They foster an inclusive tone for our diverse young audience.

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JUDGES' THOUGHTS

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