PCA’s Design Thinking Curriculum Makes Community Impact

Prattville Christian Academy seniors Hannah Minney and Hannah Patton just completed a nearly year-long project to renovate the Louise M. Smith Developmental Center’s outdated conference room.

As members of PCA’s iServe Technology Club, Hannah and Hannah choose this design thinking project as a way to give back to their community. Design thinking is a methodology used to solve complex problems and find desirable solutions; it draws on logic, imagination, intuition, and systemic reasoning to explore possibilities of what could be – and to create desired outcomes that benefit the end user.

The project involved replacing outdated furnishings, carpet and decor to create an environment suitable for business, with a focus on the organization’s mission of service to those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. “These young ladies exemplify the empathy, creativity and service that play a part in the design thinking process, and PCA is proud of their service to our community,” said Brigitte McCawley, PCA’s academic integrationist. As a result of their hard work, both were awarded the President’s Award earlier this month at the Louise M. Smith Developmental Center’s Annual Board Membership meeting.

“We couldn’t have asked for two more perfect young ladies for this project! From the very start they had a vision for the room and they remained enthusiastic about bringing that vision to life,” said Jess Butrica, Louise M. Smith Center executive director. “What they really grasped was when I first mentioned I wanted the room to feel welcoming, like you were at home. It was very important to me that this training room have photos of members of the Smith Center, and artwork that they put their time and efforts into. Both have bright futures ahead and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of their project.”

View project photos by clicking here.