At MAD-learn, we’ve always believed the most powerful solutions come from people who understand the problem they’re solving, not just the code behind it. That’s why we built our newest platform update around the Stanford design thinking framework, a methodology that’s helped innovators at companies like IDEO, Airbnb, Netflix, and Oral-B turn empathy into action.
Design thinking doesn’t just teach students to build apps. It teaches them to think like problem-solvers, communicators, and changemakers. Through this process, students develop skills we think matter more than ever:
- Empathy and active listening, as they interview and observe potential users
- Critical thinking and problem framing, as they define what truly needs to be solved
- Creative confidence, as they generate and test bold ideas without fear of failure
- Resilience and adaptability, as they iterate through feedback
- Communication and storytelling, as they pitch their solutions to an audience
This launch was built the same way. It took our team listening to and empathizing with teachers and students, applying their feedback, iterating through more versions than we would like to admit, testing… and then testing some more. It took collaborating across departments, and finally, sharing our story with you.
We’re so excited for this next chapter of MAD-learn, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it. And because design thinking is a cycle, we know there’s always room to improve. So please, tell us what you think, good, bad, or somewhere in between. That’s how we get better.
We’re excited to introduce the biggest update to MAD-learn yet, app development reimagined around the Stanford design thinking framework. This upgrade changes the way students build apps by walking them through the full design thinking journey.
Empathize. Define. Ideate. Prototype. Test. Launch.
Instead of jumping straight into building, students start by getting to know the people they’re designing for, defining problems that actually matter, and brainstorming ideas before they ever touch a line of code. Then they bring those ideas to life with real purpose and confidence.
Along the way, they’ll use a new, easier-to-navigate interface, interactive brainstorming tools, guided support panels, better prototyping features, streamlined testing, and improved tools for sharing and presenting their work. Every step is built to feel more thoughtful and hands-on, from the first reflection prompt to the final app pitch.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just an update. It’s a new way to help students think like builders, solve real problems, and lead with empathy.
This month, we’re heading to Washington, DC, for the NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference, and we’d love to connect with you! Be sure to stop by the MAD-learn booth (#208) to explore our newest platform updates and discover fresh ideas for bringing design thinking into your programs.
We’re also excited to co-present Lighting the Way through Student Voice: Designing Short Programs with Long-Term Impact on July 20 from 4:00–5:00 PM ET. Together with Oklahoma GEAR UP, we’ll share how a two-day app camp empowered nearly 75 middle school students to transform their passions and community challenges into innovative mobile apps. You’ll see real student work, experience a hands-on design thinking activity, and leave with practical, budget-friendly strategies for creating meaningful, career-connected learning experiences; no coding experience required. Whether you stop by the booth, join our session, or both, we can’t wait to meet you!
A little summer send-off! As another school year comes to a close, we hope you’ll take some time to relax, recharge, and enjoy a well-earned break. We’ll be pressing pause on our newsletter for the summer and look forward to reconnecting with you this fall with more ideas, inspiration, and exciting MAD-learn updates. Until then, thank you for being part of our community, and have a fantastic summer!
