Truro High School is the first school in Cornwall, and one of the first in the UK, to offer its students the first User Experience and Design (UX) course created specifically for children.
User Experience (UX) is fast becoming a key part of how all modern companies are designing their products and services using empathy, and putting people’s experience at the heart of the decision-making process. This includes everything from designing a clean, easy-to-use app interface to understanding why a fast revolving door is not appropriate to build in an elderly residence home!
The course has been designed by the world’s first EdTech company, Digital Influx, and it aims to broaden, build and future-proof students’ skillsets whilst teaching them the impact that innovation and design has on the world. Broadly speaking, it’s about having a deep, empathetic understanding of the user to ensure they find value in the product they’re using.
The course is initially being delivered to pupils in Prep 6, and they have had an amazing start to the programme this week as they began to learn about the importance of empathy in design. They contemplated real-world examples where the user of a product has been truly considered and their needs empathised with. The girls will also use virtual games to consider a number of user experience options and will learn how to select the best product for the intended demographic – for example, fast-moving revolving doors may not be the best entrance to a residential home for the elderly!
Over the course of the Term, they will create a UX portfolio in the form of a website, and design a solution to a problem relating to the welfare of local animals – one of the UN’s global sustainability goals. They have also been partnered with a school in Texas, with whom they can share their portfolios and forge new connections.
Katie Hinks, our Head of Prep School, said “I’m thrilled that we are able to provide the girls with this amazing course, and it is ground-breaking that they are learning these vital skills at such a young age. Equipping the girls with the key skills of empathy, creativity and problem-solving is an incredibly important way of preparing them for their future, whatever path they choose.”
Categories: School News Truro High School for Girls
