Phase 1: Detecting challenges

Tech as a solution to a challenge faced by marginalised groups is not yet very common and the possibility of finding the solution in tech needs to be encouraged. Identifying such challenges requires active searching and assessing if technology is a suitable solution. Involving the target group is crucial; they must recognize the challenge and participate in both its formulation and the development of the solution.

For this phase, we have collected 3 Research Methods to collect challenges (in yellow) and 4 Co-creation methods for understanding and involve the target group (in blue):

Research Methods to collect challenges

1. Research into current issues

Research in civil society and municipal departments often reveals pressing social challenges, many awaiting technological solutions. These problems may lack funding, have small target groups, or be ignored by commercial organizations due to low profitability. Based on available resources, a technical expert can assess which challenges are most suitable to tackle. 

2. Focus on a specific target group

Different audiences face different challenges. Working with a CSO, specific challenges for a target group such as elderly, migrants or unemployed can be gathered through interactive workshops. Deeper exploration requires more sessions and co-creation methods. A technical expert helps identify the most suitable challenges. The toolbox offers various methods for use in workshops, including brainstorming, brainwriting, collage, role-playing, bodystorming, card sort, and empathy timeline.

Co-creation methods for understanding and involve the target group

1. Guided tour

Asking some community members to show you around their workplace, home or neighbourhood will give you an insight into their habits and values. This will give you a better idea of the challenges they face than an interview or a conversation on the street[1].

[1] Design Kit –  guided tour

2. Peers observing Peers

Using key members of the community as researchers helps you retrieve more information than you will manage on your own. Valued members have prestige and trust. Moreover, it can also resolve cultural issues if, for example, a woman is not allowed to be interviewed by a man or if it is about sensitive topics. It is also very empowering for the community if they can do their own research and thus contribute to the solution[1].

[1] Design Kit – peers observing peers

3. Photojournal

Getting people to take their own photos of their (living) environment is often a good way to start a conversation. It could be about health, food or finances. The photos people take themselves say something about how they see the topic. This method also gives them time to think about the topic themselves before discussing it[1].

[1] Design Kit – photojournal

4. Card Sort

Card Sort is an easy way to start a conversation about what matters most to your target audience. A stack of cards with words and/or images will evoke different associations for different people. The words and pictures can be tailored to the challenge at hand. By asking them to sort the cards in order of importance, you can gain insight into what is most important to them. This also allows you to initiate a deeper conversation to gain insight into the motivation behind it[1].

[1] Design Kit – card sort