Learning about design steps: a dialog and role-play
When a group works together, a few phrases keep the talk clear and polite. To ask about the order, say What’s next? or What comes after that? To ask for permission, say Is it okay if …? (Is it okay if we ask the other classes?). To suggest an idea, use How about …? or Let’s + base verb (Let’s define the problem). To agree, say That makes sense. Four phrases are useful in talks about projects: come up with means think of (We came up with five ideas); make sense means be clear and logical (Your plan makes sense); perfect means as good as it can be; a process is a series of steps. To keep the talk clear, repeat the key words of the other speaker: A box with labels, yes, a box with labels. This also gives you time to think. Your book has a dialog about the steps of design thinking on page 80: read it after this lesson and find two polite questions. Then practise the role-play on page 81 with your own project.
| Aim | Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ask about the order | What’s next? | We have defined it. What’s next? |
| Ask permission | Is it okay if …? | Is it okay if we start tomorrow? |
| Suggest | How about …? / Let’s … | How about a box with labels? |
| Agree | That makes sense. | A short test makes sense. |
Our class has a problem: lost things are everywhere. What is the first step?
First we should understand the problem. Is it okay if we ask the other classes?
Sure. After that, let’s define it in one sentence.
How about this: “Students cannot find their lost things quickly.”
That makes sense. What’s next?
Next we come up with ideas. I think a big box with labels is a perfect start.
Then we build a simple version and test it for a week.
Good. The process is clear. Let me repeat it: understand, define, brainstorm, build, test.
Project role-play. Choose a problem (a noisy bus stop, a crowded cloakroom, a messy shelf). Partner A leads a talk with five steps and says What’s next? at least twice. Partner B asks Is it okay if …? once, makes one suggestion with How about …? and repeats one key word. Then swap roles.