Human Centred Design Event
Providence Health Care
Providence Health Care
Client
Skunkworks Events 2021, 2022 and 2023
Project
The Problem
The staff at Providence are confronted daily with multiple complex challenges in the community. Complex problems - otherwise known as “wicked” problems - are those that are difficult to define and cannot be solved using standard methods and approaches. Providence wanted to help clinicians and patient advocates to hone their innovation skills to foster a culture of transformation.
Each year the topic focuses on complex medical and social needs, people who are experiencing inequities and challenges with access, and those affected by mental health issues.
Hacking pain
2021
2022
Hacking wounds
2023
Hacking aging
Hacking Chronic Disease
2023
The Process
This is a 2-day event that brings together 75-100 multidisciplinary clinicians, patient advocates and students who are interested in working on the challenge. The day begins with 5-7 design challenges which attendees can choose from. The teams are formed in the morning of day one and they continue to work together till the end. The Pivot team uses highly interactive theory bursts and experiential tools to walk the teams through the 5 design steps:
Empathise
Define
Ideation
Prototyping
Judges vote on the final pitches of the day and three teams are selected for the award of 1) Technology Accelerator 2) Research and Innovation and 3) People’s choice. Generous monetary prices are given to kick-start the team to advance their ideas.
Testing
The Outcome
Each Skunkworks produces 3 top prototypes that are supported by Providence Research for further development.
Judges vote on the final pitches of the day and three teams are selected for the award of 1) Technology Accelerator 2) Research and Innovation and 3) People’s choice. Generous monetary prices are given to kick-start the team to advance their ideas.
Prototype examples:
2021: On-the-ground outreach team for the lower east side connecting patients to services
2022: A custom boot, locally designed, that takes the pressure off a foot wound
2024: Stairway to Health: Decorating and mural paintings for the stairwells at Providence Health
What We Created
”If you want engaging, energizing, moderators who are super-skilled in design thinking, look no further than Marlies and Josh. They were a major reason for the successes of our Skunkworks!”
Darryl Knight
VP Research & Academic affairs at Providence Healthcare
