GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Four bright young minds from NBC Middle School recently put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test at the first-ever West Michigan Design Prize competition. Hosted in Grand Rapids, this event, organized by MiSTEM, gathered 100 students from 11 school districts across Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties, challenging them to develop innovative solutions for enhancing public spaces.
Representing NBC Middle School, students Jacob Field, John Eilers, Weylyn Lamb, and Logan Kraus participated in the competition, working under the guidance of teachers and business mentors. Their task: to design a product that encourages people to enjoy public spaces respectfully and harmoniously.
An Innovative Solution for Community Engagement
The team’s concept, a multipurpose outdoor electronic piano, was designed to be a centerpiece for community interaction. Their vision was to place this interactive instrument in the artisan market in downtown Montague, encouraging locals and visitors alike to engage with music in a unique and inclusive way.
What set their design apart was its versatility:
- Adjustable for all users – ensuring accessibility for people of all abilities.
- Capable of producing multiple instrumental sounds – allowing for a richer musical experience.
- Weatherproof – designed to withstand the elements, ensuring year-round functionality.
The idea was inspired by a desire to blend art, music, and public space utilization in a way that fosters community spirit. With interactive and accessible design principles at the forefront, the team aimed to create a space where people of all ages and abilities could come together and express themselves through music.
Acknowledgments and Appreciation
The NBC Middle School Design Thinking Team’s success was made possible through the dedication and support of several individuals and organizations. Cara Kriesel, the team’s teacher and mentor, played a crucial role in guiding the students through the design thinking process and helping them refine their innovative concept. Kendall College of Art and Design provided professional conceptual drawings that helped bring the team’s vision to life. Additionally, CatchMark Technologies served as an industry mentor, offering insight into product development and practical applications of technology in design. The students, school, and community are deeply grateful for their contributions in making this experience a valuable and educational journey.
The West Michigan Design Prize: A Platform for Future Innovators
The West Michigan Design Prize was designed to cultivate critical thinking, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving among middle and late-elementary students. Supported by the Michigan Design Council, the competition encourages young learners to apply design thinking principles to practical challenges in their communities.
By engaging with teachers and business mentors, students were able to brainstorm, develop, and pitch their ideas—mirroring the processes used by real-world designers and engineers. Events like these not only provide students with valuable hands-on experience but also help them build confidence, creativity, and communication skills.
A Bright Future for Young Innovators
Though the competition was intense, the NBC Middle School team demonstrated exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills. Their innovative approach to public engagement through music resonated with the event’s mission—proving that the next generation has the ability to shape and improve the communities they live in.
Their participation in the West Michigan Design Prize is just the beginning. By continuing to explore, innovate, and apply design thinking, these students are well on their way to becoming the problem-solvers of the future.
As NBC Middle School celebrates its team’s efforts, the students hope their outdoor electronic piano concept could one day become a reality—bringing people together through the universal language of music.
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