Our Designing for Impact team has completed its first sprint with two participating organizations – Wilmot Family Resource Centre and the Muslim Association of Canada. As a result of the sprint, four prototypes have been created by the two non-profits to help support our diverse communities in different ways.
Design thinking is a flexible and powerful framework for innovative problem-solving. Designing for Impact was developed by Capacity Canada with support from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation and Suncor Energy Foundation. Throughout the process, facilitators from Capacity by Design support and guide team members to develop solutions to the issues close to their hearts that bring a positive change in the community.
Five organizations were selected to be part of the program this year. Two of these organizations have completed their design sprints. “It was the commitment and passion of the people who came together to work on an issue that made this sprint so successful,” says Hugh Munro, Designer, Capacity by Design. According to Hugh, this work would not have been possible if the organizations were not passionate and devoted to their cause.
A six-member team from the Wilmot Family Resource Centre has developed two prototypes. One explores the notion of a community ambassadorship program that would educate and inform residents about the good work happening in Wilmot and Wellesley townships. The second prototype is the development of a new community-wide art installation tentatively called “The Path.” It would include living or movable art made by local artists to share their story, history and vision for the future.
This year, the design sprint was held using an online platform. “We were not sure how the program would work without meeting in person. It was surprising to see the level of engagement and excitement we were able to generate on a virtual platform. This is the first time the design sprint was held virtually, and the online medium was definitely not a barrier,” says Liz Dennis, Designer, Capacity by Design. As per Liz, the program’s success was a result of the dedication of the participating non-profits.
A team of eight women from the Muslim Association of Canada focused on developing culturally responsive solutions intended to improve the experience of Muslim youth in foster care. They have also successfully developed two prototypes – one focusing on creating a youth champions program and the other focused on creating an online interactive guide called “Hope Away from Home.” The guide explains the fostering process and provides alternative ways for the Muslim community to support Muslim children in care.
Every year, Capacity Canada invites applications from social good organizations across Canada that want to benefit from the program. This year, the project received more than a dozen enquiries and indications of interest. After careful consideration, five non-profits were selected.
