Our Approach

Reflection: We weave reflection throughout our process, giving the opportunity for design practitioners to examine their relationship to the structures of social exclusion they hope to change. By locating themselves within the power structures present, the designer can deliberately challenge the status quo of social power dynamics, rather than unintentionally perpetuating it. Reflection also helps designers stay conscious of their goals and principles throughout the process, helping them keep their actions on track.

Democratization: We redefine traditional notions of who gets to be a decision maker in building solutions. Professional designers and technical experts are commonly seen as those who can best form a solution for a community of “users.” However, we think the assumptions underlying this custom are part of the problem.  Influential decision makers, by nature of their privileged position, are less likely to have experienced the social issue at hand--and worse, risk of perpetuating disempowering dynamics if they remain alone in the driver’s seat. Democratization means redefining who a "designer" is; problem solving should be led by those closest to it.

Contextualization: We create space for designers to contextualize the social issue within a larger history of identity, culture, place, and power struggle. Contextualization emphasizes the multi-dimensional ecosystem within a design challenge, and how the designer is positioned within these contexts.

Empathy: Empathy is the human capacity to relate to one another. When design teams are composed of people with diverse backgrounds, empathy is used to foster connection across barriers. We use empathy to invite connection instead of conflict in design teams full of people from diverse backgrounds.  

Accountability: We continuously check our actions and intentions to see if they are in accordance with the goals we hold for ourselves, the beneficiaries, and clients involved. In the face of competing pressures, we stress the importance of weaving these checks throughout the process to avoid unintentionally drifting into status quo patterns.  

 Understanding the Problem:  We create a shared point-of-view around what is the challenge that the design team will work to address. Defining the challenge brings clarity to the team as they navigate the ambiguity of addressing human, social issues.

Creating Ideas: We catalyze the design team’s creative potential by generating a wide range of ideas. By creating a high volume of wild ideas, the team creates space for truly innovative solutions to take root.

Prototyping Solutions: This phase allows the design team to translate their idea into an artifact that can be tested for further iteration. It creates a channel for feedback and continuous improvement.

Testing Solutions: In testing a prototype, the design team gains valuable insight into how they can better design a solution. Every test informs the next iteration until an idea has grown into a solution that works.