About the Game Changer Challenge
Think your school team has what it takes to solve a real-world wicked problem? Do you want to learn new skills and unlock powerful design thinking tools and processes, while working with leading industry thinkers and having a whole lot of fun along the way?
The challenge
The design thinking challenge is open to all 2,200+ public schools across the state and centres around exploring tangible solutions for a real-world wicked problem.
84 teams (42 primary and 42 secondary) will compete in Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Newcastle, Sydney, Parramatta, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga - battling it out in a one-day challenge to be crowned the junior or senior semi final winner in each location.
The semi final winners will also be in the running to win the coveted title of Game Changer Champions 2020, announced early December.
All ability levels, from beginner to advanced are encouraged to apply.
#GCC2020 challenge question
'How might we use technology to bring everyone in our community closer together?'
The size and scope of where you take this real-world wicked problem is defined by your team's imagination!
Join the challenge
1. Submit your application
Register your interest so we can send you important updates and information.
Start preparing your application and then you have until Wednesday 19 August to apply.
Include a 60-second video explaining your game-changing ideas on 'How might we use technology to bring everyone in our community closer together?'
Be sure to include all your team members in the video. Remember, you will be judged on the quality of your idea and your enthusiasm, not the production of your video.
2. Semi finals held across NSW
Teams will be selected to participate in a one-day intensive workshop where they will learn and apply the design thinking process to build on the video application entry ideas.
Guided by our expert facilitators and industry thinkers, the day will consist of working through the challenge playbook to create a tangible solution for the real-world wicked problem and then pitching those ideas to an expert panel.
The winning teams from each semi final will be in the running to
3. Grand final winners announced
A panel of education and industry experts will judge the semi final winning teams to decide which teams will be the grand final winners earning the coveted title of Game Changer Challenge Champions for 2020.
Learn more about our 2018 and 2019 challenges.
What is design thinking?
Design thinking is a human-centred approach to solving complex problems. Empathy and collaboration are at the heart of design thinking.
The five-step process starts by encouraging problem solvers to walk in the shoes of those experiencing the 'problem' to gain a deeper insight into the challenges and issues they face (empathy).
This knowledge is then used to develop a clear problem statement (define), work on solutions (ideate), turn these solutions into tangible products (prototype) and then see whether the solution will work (test).
Design thinking is not a linear process. With each stage, you will make new discoveries that will require you to rethink and redefine what you have already done.
Design thinking brings our head, heart and hands together to find innovative solutions to complex problems.
This process can be used over and over again, for small or complex problems.
Key dates
Term 3
Week 5 (Wednesday 19 August) - Applications close
Week 9 - Semi finalists announced
Term 4
Between weeks 3 and week 5 - Semi finals held in seven locations across NSW
Week 8 - Grand final winners announced
More details to come.
The great challenges of the future will be solved by today's students. To flourish in this world, they will need to be deep thinkers, critical and reflective, empathetic and creative. The Game Changer Challenge aims to highlight and develop these future-focused skills.
