Lead Innovation Projects for Social Services
Leading the design process to create interventions that build strength and wellness for families experiencing poverty.
The client
A small nonprofit
Results that matter
Leading the design process to create interventions that build strength and wellness for families experiencing poverty.
How we did it
We helped our client Launch an Innovation Lab and they asked us to stick around to integrate the design process into the nonprofit and smooth the pathway to becoming a design-led company. While we help do the work, we’re coaching and training along the way so that the team is prepared to scale and lead the design process all on their own too. We like to make sure the work we do stays alive, so no tossing this one over the fence and hoping it keeps going – we’re working right alongside them to help overcome any barriers as they design a new way of working to achieve their mission.
When: 2016 - Present
Assessment - Service Performance and Program Effectiveness
For a coalition of public and private agencies, we designed a metrics and measurement strategy, established baselines, and developed operational improvements to optimize the service and program effectiveness. Our final report was used to guide changes to policy and operational best-practices.
The client
A coalition of public and private agencies delivering coordinated training, education, coaching, and job placement services.
Results that matter
We designed a metrics and measurement strategy, established baselines, and developed operational improvements to optimize the service and program effectiveness. Program delivery partners implemented our recommendations and, through a process of rapid cycle assessments, tested and refined changes. We summarized our findings and recommendations to inform changes to policy and operational best-practices.
How we did it
With the goal of helping participants make progress towards their own education and career goals, five companies came together to build a holistic service model and referral network to support participants. In year two of operation, we delivered rapid cycle assessments and recommendations over the span of several months. We observed service offerings, conducted qualitative research, and interviewed stakeholders and frontline staff - asking things like how they measure success, how they know when someone is making progress, what stands in their way of delivering more impact, and what keeps them up at night. Those rapid cycle evaluations laid the groundwork for us to deliver a final comprehensive report on program effectiveness and recommendations for the coalition as they launched into year three of operation.