AAD728 ( 43881 ) - Masters Project. 2023-24
By Shakila Hatami
In today's world of distraction, some of the significant academic problems students face during their education are characterised by a lack of mental clarity, difficulties in finding the right words to start a project, or simply procrastination (Grunschel et al., 2013; Steel, 2007). Most of these issues significantly worsen for graduate students since they face additional challenges, leading to a higher possibility of procrastinating on their academic tasks (Rahimi and Hall, 2021). The apparent result of such problems would be a lack of productivity, writer's block, increased anxiety, and time-management difficulties while keeping guilt for their decreasing academic performance (Rahimi et al., 2023; Hailikari et al., 2021).
In order to address this widespread issue, IDEO's iterative design thinking framework, including three phases of Inspiration, Ideation, and Implementation, was considered. This method enables a user-centred exploration of procrastination, ensuring that the solutions developed are deeply rooted in the needs and experiences of the target users (IxDF, 2016; IDEO, 2023).
The primary objective of this research is to identify and understand the fundamental causes of procrastination among graduate students. By applying a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study aims to answer the critical question of "How might we help students overcome procrastination to enhance their academic performance and overall well-being?". The following sections provide a deeper understanding of procrastination and an innovative solution tailored to students' needs.
IDEO Design Thinking Framework
The following project addresses academic challenges like procrastination and writer's block. It aligns with four of the Sustainable Development Goals: improved time management and mental health support to reduce inequality (Goal 10) and quality education (Goal 4); it encourages good health and well-being (Goal 3), reducing stress and anxiety among students. It also furthers Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17), in working with universities and mental health professionals to create a comprehensive solution. These partnerships ensure that the initiative casts a comprehensive, effective net of impact on education and student well-being.
Sustainable development goals align with this project's perspective.