Designing for Community Well-Being

Overview

The Columbus Foundation's Designing for Community Well-Being practice uses human-centered design processes to help nonprofit organizations and social sector partners co-create solutions to complex community challenges. Working in partnership with community members and informed by well-being research, the program focuses on ensuring central Ohio residents reach their full potential, live well, and experience meaning and purpose.

Programs Offered

• Community Lab Days: one-day immersive experiences to help nonprofits understand specific issues
• Executive Workshops: two-day quarterly workshops teaching human-centered design strategies for nonprofit leaders
• Signature Projects: multiple-week endeavors using co-design processes to deeply understand and address community challenges

The Design Process

• Empathy: Listen to residents' stories and experiences; interviewees are paid for their time
• Co-Design: Design team including community members, experts, and Foundation staff brainstorm multiple solutions
• Prototyping: Build low-resolution prototypes and test concepts with residents for feedback

Geographic Focus

Central Ohio, with partnerships involving universities, local nonprofits, city and county partners, and community members.