Wat als..? Jongeren aan zet met ontwerpen (Werkvormen)

"What If...?" – Activity Workbook

This workbook is a practical toolkit filled with creative exercises designed to guide young people (ages 10–14) through a step-by-step design process focused on complex social issues (e.g., poverty, inequality, climate change, divorce, mental health, bullying).

It supports the facilitator’s guide and offers ready-to-use worksheets and creative tools.

Purpose

To help young participants:

• Work together to understand a real-world problem
• Generate creative, human-centred solutions
• Develop empathy and imagination
• Build confidence in presenting their ideas

Structure of the Workbook

The process is divided into five steps, each with its own set of creative activities ("werkvormen"):

1. Choose a Theme
• Decide together which social topic to work on
• Form diverse teams based on interests and strengths
2. Explore the Theme
• Conduct research through interviews, online searches, field visits
• Visualize insights and make sense of what they’ve learned
3. Generate Ideas
• Use playful games (like combining emotions with characters) to think creatively
• Select ideas collaboratively using structured voting methods
4. Create a Prototype
• Build quick mock-ups with craft or digital materials
• Gather and give feedback to refine ideas
5. Pitch the Design
• Prepare presentations or video pitches
• Reflect on the impact and message behind their idea

Features

• Printable worksheets for every activity
• Guidance for forming diverse, balanced teams
• Tools to help reflect on emotions and fundamental needs
• Space for storytelling and imagination
• Inspired by design thinking and positive psychology

Use Case

This workbook can be used in:

• Schools
• Youth centres
• Workshops for civic engagement
• After-school programmes

It is suitable for facilitators without design experience and encourages learning-by-doing in a safe, inclusive, and imaginative setting.