Students will launch the "Economics Of..." project by analyzing real TED Talks through an economic lens, then conduct firsthand interviews with members of the school community to uncover how economic forces shape everyday experiences. They will document their findings in a structured empathy map grounded in direct quotes and observations.

Students will synthesize their interview research into a clear, evidence-based problem definition that names a specific user, surfaces a non-obvious economic insight, and frames a focused “How Might We” question to guide ideation for their TED Talk and interactive exhibit.

Students will generate a wide range of possible interactive exhibit concepts for “The Economics Of…” event, using structured divergent and convergent thinking protocols grounded in real user research and economic standards. They will evaluate ideas against documented user needs and economic rigor, then produce annotated concept sketches that will guide rapid prototyping in the next phase.

Students will build and refine testable versions of their TED Talk and interactive exhibit concepts, conduct structured user testing with peers and school community members, and document how feedback drives concrete economic and design revisions before final presentation.

Students will validate their final economic analyses and interactive exhibits with an authentic audience, then deliver a polished 5-minute TED-style presentation that traces their design journey from user research through iteration, explicitly connecting economic theory to real user needs and community impact.