Developing critical thinking, collective creativity skills and problem solving through playful design jams

Collaborative problem-solving skills are paramount within the context of 21st-century learning skills development. These skills include critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication (4Cs). This research examines the elements of motivation, play and collaborative practice within a design activity, called Design Jam. Design Jams, such as Global Service Jams and Global Sustainability Jams, utilise design thinking to explore possible solutions to complex problems through interdisciplinary working in small groups. This paper presents a three-phase mapped process for Playful Design Jams (PDJ) that incorporates playful elements and supports the development of positive interdependence within team-based activities. The experiences of participants within nine separate PDJs were gathered to explore whether they engaged with the 4C's during the process. The participants reported that they felt motivated and that the PDJ improved their creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaborative engagement. This paper contributes to theory and practice of advanced thinking skills and creativity development through facilitation. Future studies are suggested to examine the impact on long term development of participants' 4C’s in formal education.