Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1543198
"[taking] a major project from start to finish, tackling real-world challenges, and learning perseverance along the way. It's a unique experience where the students truly take ownership and leadership, something not found to the same degree in other classes." The Design Process Design thinking is a central focus of this course. Students learn and apply its non-linear, iterative approach to creative problem solving, moving through five key stages: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Through interviews with Trevor community members, including students, faculty, and staff, they research and identify authentic needs. Students also visit other spaces to gather inspiration and observe effective design practices, including a local community garden, Trevor's Gabe Wiener '84 Makerspace in the Lower School, the Hewitt School's Makerspace, and Teachers College, Columbia University's Snow Day Learning Lab, hosted by Dr. Nathan Holbert, Associate Professor of Communication, Media and Learning Technology Design. Drawing on these insights, students develop preliminary concepts for the makerspace's layout, features, and functions. They work closely with the faculty team to ensure that their ideas align with budget constraints and project parameters. Students then prototype their designs and collaborate with outside experts in technology, design, and architecture, as well as members of the Trevor community, to test feasibility and refine their proposals. The course concludes with a formal makerspace proposal, demonstrating the full design thinking process from empathy through testing. Capital improvements are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026. Stan Golanka, Making Space teacher and Director of Academic and Infrastructure Technology, emphasizes the broad value of this work, explaining, "The design process is the process of life; virtually anything important is created through a similar cycle. The steps can be applied to writing a paper, choosing a gift, shopping for groceries—everything!" Eva B. '27 has an equal respect for design. "The reason I was interested in joining Making Space is because of the importance given to design. More specifically, understanding and developing a streamlined process to help guide creation. I am already a creative person, but oftentimes I feel 30 / TREVOR MAGAZINE WINTER 2025–26