FUNDAMENTAL
DESIGN THINKING.
FDT takes student creators from messy real-world campus problems to validated market-ready products through human-centered design sprints, prototyping labs, and direct guidance.
5-Step Framework.
A structured approach to solving complex engineering and campus challenges.
Empathise
Observe real-world problems. Interview campus users, students, and faculty to unearth deep unarticulated needs.
Define
Synthesize user findings. Frame clear, actionable challenge statements and target persona profiles.
Ideate
Break mental blocks with SCAMPER, crazy-eights, and wild brainstorming sessions to generate 100s of ideas.
Prototype
Make it tangible! Build paper wireframes, 3D prints, microcontrollers, and functional digital MVPs.
Test & Iterate
Put prototypes into the hands of real campus users. Gather feedback loops, refine rapidly, and present on Demo Day.
Resources.
Essential FDT canvases and design thinking templates provided for your cohort projects.
Empathy Map Canvas
Map what target users hear, see, think, feel, say, and do to uncover implicit pain points.
Problem Definition Blueprint
Narrow down root causes before building a single line of code or hardware model.
Value Proposition Matrix
Align core product features directly with specific customer gain creators and pain relievers.
Rapid Prototyping Roadmap
Structure low-cost physical & digital experiments with measurable validation metrics.