Design Thinking, AI, and Te Ao Māori: A Human-Centered Future for Education

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I recently attended FETC in Orlando, Florida and had the opportunity to meet Sabba Quidwai, author of Designing Schools, and discuss her belief in the power of design thinking in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI). Her SPARK model—structured around Situation, Problem, Aspiration, Results, and Kismet—emphasizes a human-centered approach to education, as Sabba puts it, we must prompt the human first. I also managed to grab a copy of the book (Thanks Sabba and Jen Womble) and as I read the pages, I was, in the back of my mind thinking how a lot of the ideas align closely with the principles of Te Ao Māori (The Māori world). While these frameworks emerge from different cultural and philosophical traditions, they share a fundamental conceit: the future of education must prioritize people, relationships, and collective growth rather than technology alone.

The SPARK Model and Te Ao Māori: Points of Connection

The SPARK model is designed to empower the learner as the driver of inquiry, creativity, and critical thinking. It fosters a mindset where we are not passive consumers of information but active designers of our learning. In many ways, this philosophy echoes Te Ao Māori, where learning is holistic, reciprocal, and deeply rooted in relationships (who knew Sabba knows Anne Kozma and Vriti Saraf!). 

SPARK places identifying the situation at its core, recognizing the importance of understanding context. Manaakitanga plays a role here, ensuring that the learning environment is built on care and support, where students feel safe to engage, question, and grow. Acknowledging and understanding the diverse backgrounds and needs of learners when identifying the situation fosters an inclusive and respectful approach to education. 

The SPARK model emphasizes problem-solving as a collaborative process. Similarly, whanaungatanga underscores the importance of relationships in learning. Education is not an individual endeavor but a collective journey where strong connections create a foundation for success. In Te Ao Māori, ako embodies the idea that both teacher (kaiako) and student (ākonga) learn knowledge (mātauranga) from one another, reinforcing the significance of shared learning experiences. The identity of both teacher and student (wairua) is nourished so intellect (hinengaro) flourishes along with the community (whanau).

Aspiration is central to both the SPARK model and the tuakana-teina approach. In Te Ao Māori, experienced individuals (tuakana) guide and support those with less experience (teina) in a natural mentorship dynamic encouraging inquiry and curiosity.

Ethical reasoning and responsible AI use are critical to the SPARK model. In Te Ao Māori, manaakitanga which has already been mentioned, highlights the importance of care, respect, and responsibility within a learning environment. AI should be used to uplift, empower, and care for learners, ensuring that technology does not replace human compassion but enhances it.

The SPARK model also promotes the concept of kismet—recognizing the role of serendipity and interconnected opportunities in learning - this is where AI has the biggest part to play. This aligns with wānanga, where discussion and collective inquiry lead to deeper understanding and new possibilities. AI can be a tool that facilitates wānanga, providing data, resources, and differing perspectives to enrich learning conversations.

Ultimately, both the SPARK model and Te Ao Māori call for education that is united in its purpose: to nurture human potential. Kotahitanga emphasizes collective agency and shared vision. AI should not drive education—it should serve as a means to strengthen our collective aspirations and ensure everyone is supported in ways that align with who they are.

A Future Where People Come First

As AI continues to evolve, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that technology does not displace the values that make education meaningful. Both the SPARK model and Te Ao Māori offer compelling visions of a future where learning is relational, inquiry-driven, and human-centered. The key is not to see AI as an end in itself, but as a tool that amplifies our ability to connect, question, and create together.

By integrating the principles of design thinking with the wisdom of indigenous knowledge systems like Te Ao Māori, we can ensure that the future of education remains deeply rooted in humanity. The challenge ahead is not merely about adopting AI—it is about designing a future where technology supports the relationships, values, and aspirations that define who we are as learners and as people. To quote Erik Brynjolfsson in Chapter 4 of Designing Schools:

What is this AI going to do? What's technology going to do to us? What's it going to do to jobs in our society? And while that is an important question, I think in many ways it's the wrong question because technology doesn't decide what we're doing. Technology is not destiny. We shape our destiny.

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