This project aims to support and enhance the development of creativity in children, with a particular focus on strengthening their creative confidence and creative thinking during the idea generation phase of the design process. Responding to the growing emphasis on 21st century skills, this report builds on the Your Turn materials developed by the Science Hub TU Delft, to foster these abilities through design education.
A literature review established a theoretical foundation using the 5A’s of Creativity framework, while contextual exploration through interviews with primary school teachers (n=6) and education professionals (n=3) identified key barriers to creative engagement, including low creative confidence, fear of failure, and limited teacher support. These insights shaped the central design question: How can children and teachers shift their focus from outcomes to the creative process itself?
Guided by a Research through Design approach, the study involved a exploratory workshop and ‘creative confidence’ workshops (n=32 total participants) and design lessons with 85 children (group 5-8) across four schools. Insights from these activities informed the development of five design tools: Draai door, Ideeënbord, Spontane verhalen, Ideeën estafette, and Mindful musical, alongside two teacher support artefacts: the ‘Guide to Sparking Creativity’ and a poster.
Evaluation interviews with teachers (n=5) indicated that the tools successfully stimulated creative thinking and confidence in children, while the support materials were valued for their clarity and usability. Recommendations include continued testing across more diverse school contexts to refine their integration into everyday teaching practice.