Adolescents' empathy is an essential socio-emotional concept that helps mediate
friendships and family relationships. Year 10 boys, aged 14-15 years, were invited to
participate in a five-day experiential education program (Design Week) based on a social
equity challenge using a Design Thinking concept. Students worked in small groups,
mentored by experts. Student groups developed innovative solutions to support women
who experienced domestic and family violence. As a key outcome, students' empathy
measured by the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale increased significantly from a
baseline of 63% to 75% at post-test, representing a large effect size (d= 1.06). Six
empathy subscale factors were also significantly increased (p= <0.05). The program was
feasible and was rated by teachers and students as engaging, relevant to learning, and
learning about complex social issues. This paper presents a case study of the Design
Week program, shown to be worthy of further testing with secondary school
adolescents
