Design Thinking: Collaboration for Innovation
A comprehensive program that used design thinking methodologies to foster connection and collaboration between the private and creative sectors.
Design Thinking: Collaboration for Innovation
Design thinking is a methodology that borrows from the creative process. It's democratic in that it values contributions from all individuals and perspectives, and it's being used to transform systems, products and workplaces. This project sought to use design thinking tools as a catalyst for connection and collaboration among the private and creative sectors in Newfoundland and Labrador.
We offered educational events, workshops and design labs focused on applying design thinking methodologies to problem spaces across the private, public and creative sectors. The program featured a comprehensive range of activities designed to bridge different sectors and foster innovative thinking.
This program ran from November 2019 to February 2022.
Program Events and Activities
We offered educational events, workshops and design labs focused on applying design thinking methodologies to problem spaces across the private, public and creative sectors:
Design Thinking Symposium (2019) - Featured Whitney Mortimer (IDEO) and DesignThinkers Group Canada
Design Lab #1 (November 2019) - Focused on reducing social isolation for seniors in St. John's
Mindset Reset (Fall 2020) - Four-part training focused on key mindsets necessary for creative success: Critical Thinking, Empathy, Exploration and Curiosity
Creative Edge (Fall 2020) - Trained artists to design and deliver arts-led training to corporate clients
Creative Leadership Lab (November 2020) - Used conducting a musical ensemble as a metaphor for corporate leadership, featuring Dr. Ian Sutherland and Projēkt Chamber Voices
Design Lab #2 (Spring 2021) - Focused on situating creativity as a core value in our innovation ecosystem
Unlock Your Inner Creative: In Conversation Events - Featured conversations between Emad Rizkalla (CEO of Bluedrop) and NL playwright Robert Chafe, as well as Kevin Casey (VP of Cal Legrow) and internationally renowned author Seth Godin
Program Impact
The program successfully brought together over 1000 participants through various events and workshops. We hosted two design labs, bringing together diverse participants from across sectors, resulting in hundreds of actionable solutions. The initiative also developed eight arts-led workshops, delivered to 544 members of the private sector, and delivered facilitation training to 23 participants.
Spotlights on Design Thinking
Funders
Funding for this project was provided by the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.
