Students will investigate how real people understand geysers and geothermal energy by conducting interviews, capturing quotes, and building empathy maps grounded in firsthand evidence. They will surface assumptions, gather authentic user insights, and document needs that will shape their problem definition in the next phase.

Students will synthesize firsthand interview data about geysers and geothermal energy into clear, evidence-based problem definitions that will guide their prototype design. They will identify patterns across users, define a focused “How Might We” question grounded in real quotes, and refine it through peer critique before submitting a design brief that anchors the next phase.

Students will generate a wide range of possible exhibit solutions that address real user misconceptions about geysers and geothermal energy, then narrow their ideas using user-centered criteria to select strong concepts for prototyping.

Students will build rapid, testable versions of their geyser exhibit concepts, conduct structured user testing with peers acting as representative visitors, and revise their designs based on documented feedback about scientific clarity, interactivity, and user understanding of geothermal energy and pressure systems.

Students will conduct a final validation test of their refined geyser exhibits with a new user, document feedback and remaining gaps, and deliver a stakeholder presentation that traces their full design journey from empathy research to final prototype during the Geyser Discovery Tour.