West Islip Students Design with a Purpose

Students in Mr. Varney’s International Baccalaureate Design Technology class at West Islip High School are putting empathy and problem solving at the center of their learning as part of their user-centered design unit.

Recently, the class met with local real estate agent Kenny Hirsch, who shared some of the everyday challenges he experiences as a result of nerve damage. He also demonstrated several adaptations he uses in his daily life, giving students firsthand insight into how accessibility and mobility challenges can impact everyday activities.

Using what they learned from Mr. Hirsch, students will now identify a specific accessibility or mobility challenge and develop an original design solution tailored to the person’s needs. The project provides students with an authentic opportunity to apply the principles of user-centered design while developing skills in empathy, creativity, collaboration and problem solving.

By developing a mechanism with a real user in mind, students are learning that successful design is not simply about creating a product but understanding people, identifying their needs and developing thoughtful solutions that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.