Human centered design was first codified to address private sector business challenges, but we have spent over 10 years applying, adapting, and refining it for the social sector. Our approach blends the structure of human-centered design with the relational nature of community engagement.
Framing
Research
Synthesis
Idea Development
Prototyping
Piloting
Framing
Defining the Project
In this phase, we:
Name goals for project impact
Surface biases, assumptions and theories about root causes and possible solutions
Conduct learning conversations and background research
Identify and engage key collaborators and stakeholders
Define inclusion and diversity criteria for project participants
Research
Learning from People
In this phase, we:
Conduct outreach alongside community partners to recruit people to learn from
Develop accessible engagement methods, such as in-context or remote interviews, small group conversations, observations, and creative exercises
Create the conditions for safe and honest sharing of experiences, needs and aspirations
Take video, photos, or notes, with consent of the individual
Synthesis
Making Meaning
In this phase, we:
Fill walls or virtual whiteboards with photos, quotes, and stories
Organize data by themes, or common patterns, across participants
Draft insights that explain patterns from a human perspective
Write and visualize the most significant areas of design opportunity
Create compelling videos and presentations that inspire ideas and action
Idea Development
Sparking Ideas
In this phase, we:
Create prompts, such as quotes, stories, and “How might we…” questions
Design and facilitate brainstorming sessions in a variety of formats to respond to different learning styles, cultural norms and contexts
Encourage ideas from a wide range of community members and stakeholders
Evaluate concepts in terms of benefits and burdens to all affected parties
Develop ideas into larger strategies that drive change
Prototyping
Making and Testing Ideas
In this phase, we:
Visualize key concepts with sketches, storyboards and mock-ups
Gather feedback on each idea’s potential impact and path to implementation
Improve ideas by working with intended users and collaborators
Update and refine ideas until each one is grounded in both human desires and system constraints
Create a balanced range of solutions that meet both short-term and long-term needs
Piloting
Moving into Implementation
In this phase, we:
Engage pilot partners and form teams around each concept’s trial run
Facilitate pilot planning workshops to map out activities, responsibilities, resource needs and timing
Coach pilot teams as they launch, learn and adjust; provide guidance, troubleshooting and accountability support
Evaluate and document pilot learnings and impact
Our Services
Design Consulting
We use a human-centered approach to inform the design of many types of concepts:
Programs & Services
Digital & Physical Tools
Visual Identity
Environments
Public Policy
Communications
Capacity-Building
We teach and advocate for HCD through many different structures, including:
