Our Approach
Our work is context-sensitive and open-minded, driven by community.
When approaching a new project, we’ve found that maintaining a simultaneous focus on individuals, groups (or teams) and systems helps us to be pragmatic about short term actions and realistic about long term change.
We weave our attention to these project levels throughout our process, which is heavily influenced by human-centered design, a collaborative problem-solving process that prioritizes input of people directly impacted by a design challenge. While every project is different, we generally follow five phases.
We know relationships are the most valuable vehicle for moving change initiatives forward. Our approach confronts even the stickiest problems with thoughtfulness, rigor, and an open mind – building lasting relationships along the way.
Our Process
Discover. A robust discovery phase sets the project context so we can understand the current state, desired future state, and possible ‘bridges’ to get there. | |
Define. The problem definition phase helps ensure we are solving the right problem, as vetted thoroughly by those who may be experiencing it. | |
Co-create, Prototype & Test, Implement. In the co-creation phase, we explore how we might solve the problem with key stakeholders, prototype and test potential solutions, and often assist with implementation. In our experience, the process we use is as important as the outcome – often the process is the product. |
Our Approach
Individuals. Our process always starts by talking to people. Understanding the motivations and behaviors of the individuals that ultimately shape a program or an organization helps us ensure key stakeholders truly are heard and included. | |
Groups. These insights also begin to paint a picture of the group level. The picture that emerges of a group – be it a team, a department or an entire organization – provides important context about future possibilities. Based on what individuals have shared, what does that tell us about the group’s culture, current capacities and readiness for change? | |
Systems. Finally, through desk research and further qualitative research, we develop an understanding of the systems within which the individuals are operating. Those systems could be partner networks, policy constraints or even market forces, each of which can set constraints on possible solutions, or offer opportunities for change. Systems thinking looks at problems holistically and investigates how the parts of a whole interrelate so that solutions do not exist in a vacuum, or unintentionally disrupt other parts of the system.Leveraging systems thinking helps us connect the dots between the people, processes and policies within human systems. |
RECENT WORK
See our approach in action–read about some of latest projects
City of Alameda Strategic Plan
A unifying vision and concrete plan for the City of Alameda
View Case Study (A unifying vision and concrete plan for the City of Alameda)Read Case Study: A unifying vision and concrete plan for the City of AlamedaJFF Workforce Communities of Action
Guiding a cohort of workforce boards to examine a challenge and scope practical next steps in addressing it
View Case Study (Guiding a cohort of workforce boards to examine a challenge and scope practical next steps in addressing it)Read Case Study: Guiding a cohort of workforce boards to examine a challenge and scope practical next steps in addressing itSunnyvale Innovation Team, Summer 2024
Applying design thinking and equity mindsets to improve internal communications for all
View Case Study (Applying design thinking and equity mindsets to improve internal communications for all)Read Case Study: Applying design thinking and equity mindsets to improve internal communications for allAccessible Design Workshop for Hawthorn Senior Apartments
Co-creating accessible affordable housing with seniors, unhoused communities and people with disabilities.
View Case Study (Co-creating accessible affordable housing with seniors, unhoused communities and people with disabilities.)Read Case Study: Co-creating accessible affordable housing with seniors, unhoused communities and people with disabilities.SF ORCP Concrete Building Safety Program – Stakeholder Engagement
Co-creating equitable recommendations for seismic safety with stakeholders in San Francisco
View Case Study (Co-creating equitable recommendations for seismic safety with stakeholders in San Francisco)Read Case Study: Co-creating equitable recommendations for seismic safety with stakeholders in San FranciscoCity of Alameda Strategic Plan
A unifying vision and concrete plan for the City of Alameda
View Case Study (A unifying vision and concrete plan for the City of Alameda)Read Case Study: A unifying vision and concrete plan for the City of AlamedaJFF Workforce Communities of Action
Guiding a cohort of workforce boards to examine a challenge and scope practical next steps in addressing it
View Case Study (Guiding a cohort of workforce boards to examine a challenge and scope practical next steps in addressing it)Read Case Study: Guiding a cohort of workforce boards to examine a challenge and scope practical next steps in addressing itSunnyvale Innovation Team, Summer 2024
Applying design thinking and equity mindsets to improve internal communications for all
View Case Study (Applying design thinking and equity mindsets to improve internal communications for all)Read Case Study: Applying design thinking and equity mindsets to improve internal communications for allAccessible Design Workshop for Hawthorn Senior Apartments
Co-creating accessible affordable housing with seniors, unhoused communities and people with disabilities.
View Case Study (Co-creating accessible affordable housing with seniors, unhoused communities and people with disabilities.)Read Case Study: Co-creating accessible affordable housing with seniors, unhoused communities and people with disabilities.SF ORCP Concrete Building Safety Program – Stakeholder Engagement
Co-creating equitable recommendations for seismic safety with stakeholders in San Francisco
View Case Study (Co-creating equitable recommendations for seismic safety with stakeholders in San Francisco)Read Case Study: Co-creating equitable recommendations for seismic safety with stakeholders in San FranciscoCity of Alameda Strategic Plan
A unifying vision and concrete plan for the City of Alameda
View Case Study (A unifying vision and concrete plan for the City of Alameda)Read Case Study: A unifying vision and concrete plan for the City of AlamedaJFF Workforce Communities of Action
Guiding a cohort of workforce boards to examine a challenge and scope practical next steps in addressing it
View Case Study (Guiding a cohort of workforce boards to examine a challenge and scope practical next steps in addressing it)Read Case Study: Guiding a cohort of workforce boards to examine a challenge and scope practical next steps in addressing it
Get in touch
If our approach inspires you, or if you have questions about how it can help you, we'd love to chat!