Creative Futures Innovation Toolkit

By David Yarwood

I have long believed that we talk too much about innovation in education and do too little to design for it. This post introduces the first in a series of one-page resources I am developing to help shift that balance.

These one-pagers are part of a wider project that explores how assessment policy and institutional language can unintentionally limit the kind of rich, creative and responsive teaching that students need. Rather than waiting for policy change, this project focuses on building tools that enable action now, supporting educators to design meaningful learning experiences within existing structures.

This first resource focuses on the Design Sprint. Originally developed by Google Ventures and influenced by IDEO’s design thinking model, Design Sprints are fast, focused processes that help students tackle real-world problems. Learners move from understanding a challenge to testing a prototype in a short, structured sequence. The method promotes collaboration, experimentation and risk-taking in a way that is easy to embed into HE teaching.

---

💡 What’s in the One-Pager?

The resource breaks the sprint process into five clear steps:

1. Understand and Empathise
2. Define and Frame
3. Ideate and Create
4. Prototype and Refine
5. Test and Pitch

Each step includes a short explanation, a practical classroom technique (such as Crazy 8s or Empathy Mapping), and a facilitation tip to help colleagues lead the activity effectively. The resource can be used in workshops, seminars or assessment settings, and works particularly well in enterprise, employability or sustainability contexts.

The guide also highlights the EntreComp competencies students develop through the sprint, including creativity, teamwork, planning, and initiative. Depending on the topic, the activity can also support key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, our recent Wellbeing Sprint mapped clearly to:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

---

🛠️ Why It Matters

Assessment in higher education can sometimes prioritise outputs over learning. A Design Sprint, by contrast, values process. It creates space for students to take creative risks, reflect, and build ideas iteratively. This kind of learning supports both academic development and real-world readiness.

Whether your focus is innovation, enterprise, or student engagement, the sprint method encourages learners to move from passive participation to active problem solving. It helps them see their learning as something that matters beyond the classroom.

---

📄 Download the One-Pager

👉 Download the Design Sprint Guide (PDF)

---

Let’s teach different.
If you would like to share how you are using this resource, or collaborate on additional one-pagers, feel free to get in touch. I would love to hear from you.