Introduction

The GID Lab's global framework brings in case studies and planet centered design from around the world to inform local innovations. We undertake projects that:

  • Align with the mission of inclusive innovation.

  • Are identified by the partnering organization as a priority with at least three core representatives participating in pre-design stages to define initial purpose, need, and timeline.

  • Enroll participants committed to all design phases including delivery of workable and scalable prototypes for service and product design.

  • Are interdisciplinary and have potential for faculty and student participation. 
     

 OUR PROCESS

Process

design sprint

INITIAL CONSULTATION [pro bono]

An introductory meeting to gain understanding of the purpose and need of the project.

PROJECT AND USER RESEARCH

A critical component of any innovation process, this step includes background research and user research to understand need. It also includes the creation of custom workbooks and paperwork for institutional approvals where needed.

WORKSHOP 1: NEED FINDING | 2.5 hours

Participants are oriented to the design thinking process, engage in need finding exercises to identify the right problem to solve, and create a "How Might We?" design challenge.

WORKSHOP 2: EMAPTHY AND IDEATION | 2.5 hours

A generative and intense workshop, this session typically includes review of user research and/or empathy interviews, affinity mapping, creation of empathy maps and personas, and ideation.

WORKSHOP 3: PROTOTYPING AND TESTING | 2.5 hours

Participants use design kits or simple prototyping materials to create 2D and 3D models of solutions. Feedback and iteration are important parts of the process. Participants leave with a service or product innovation to implement.

DEBRIEF AND REFLECTION [pro bono]

A conversation for feedback, reflection, and prioritization of final report elements.

ANALYSIS AND FINAL REPORT

The final report is a comprehensive description of process and prototypes, with recommendations for next steps.

FACILITATION

Expert facilitation is critical to workshop success. Our facilitators are certified professionals in design thinking, participatory design, and human centered design.

DESIGN THINKING MODULES

INTRO TO DESIGN THINKING

Designed for beginners. This engaging and fast paced module provides an orientation to the innovation framework and design thinking. Participants engage in need finding exercises to identify the right problem to solve, and begin ideation on a defined "How Might We?" prompt. Participants leave with techniques to quickly get to the need and transform need into a design challenge.

DESIGN FOR ACTION

Designed for beginners with some knowledge of design thinking, as well as those with intermediary understanding of human centered design. Participants are oriented to the design thinking process and need finding. With a defined need as a starting point, participants receive training in conducting user interviews as well as creating empathy maps and personas. Participants are oriented to prototyping and leave with beginning prototypes or story boards.

SOLVE INTO THE FUTURE

Designed for those with intermediary or advanced knowledge of human centered design and the design thinking process. Participants work on a custom need or problem and gain skills in reframing the problem, user interviews and ideation, story boarding, and creating and testing prototypes. Participants leave with a "take back to the office" product.