Improving the campus experience at the University of Toronto through student-led design
Human-centered research often prioritizes results. In this blog, Manuela reflects on the impact of personas, reminding researchers and academics that it is necessary to highlight the humanity of their sources when presenting their results.
Written by Manuela Mora Castillo, Blog Editor & Content Writer, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History Double Major, Latin American Studies Minor
December 3rd is the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. In this blog post, Manavi discusses Accessibility by Design as a tool to reduce barriers for students with disabilities at the University of Toronto.
Written by Manavi Goyal, Blog Editor & Content Writer, Honours Bachelor of Science, Psychology Specialist, Economics Major, and Sociology Minor
The Innovation Hub is ready to take on new design thinking and storytelling projects for the 2025-2026 academic year. Our student teams can help you co-create programs, services, resources, and spaces. Working together, we help you build positivity around your project and ensure the highest possible student engagement in the process. Our teams are hired and trained specifically for your project and work directly with you and your teams throughout the process.
Are you someone who has a passion for community, storytelling, and improving the student experience? Are you a creative, curious, and out-of-the-box thinker? Do you already have a wealth of experience on your resume? We’re excited to share our postings for roles at the Innovation Hub: Communications & Operations Lead, Project Assistant, and Research Coordinator. To learn more about these roles and how to apply, take a look below.
Katrina, a former A&S UTQAP design researcher, reflects on her experience conducting human-centered interviews. She discusses the importance of balancing empathy in qualitative research from a personal and professional standpoint.
Written by Katrina Sze Ching Soong, Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead, Honours Bachelor of Arts, English and Philosophy Double Major, History Minor
Many feel anxiety and pressure when asked to share a fun fact during icebreakers. In this blog post, Ajeetha offers practical advice on how to prepare and navigate these moments with confidence, emphasizing that icebreakers can be a tool for connection and setting a positive tone in group settings.
Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Sociology
The International Students: First 48 Hours documentary chronicles the life of seven international students departing their countries of origin to the days after they arrive in Toronto, Canada. Manuela attended the St. George screening event earlier in October and reflects on her experience as an international student watching the film for the first time.
Written by Manuela Mora Castillo, Blog Editor & Content Writer, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History Double Major and Latin American Studies Minor
The Innovation Hub welcomes a wonderful group of students into our team each term. We’re beginning this academic term with our biggest team yet – 88 changemakers comprised of both work-study students and Team Leads. Let’s meet the team!
Written by Joseph Lek, Digital Communications Coordinator, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Culture, Information & Technology and Art & Art History
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day to bring awareness to those experiencing challenges with their mental health. This year, Amelia spoke with members of the Innovation Hub’s Leadership team to understand what it means for them to prioritize their mental health in the workplace.
Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology specialist and Sociology minor and Amelia Di Meo, Research Coordinator, Master of Health Sciences, Translational Research
September 30th is National Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, which honours the survivors and provides an opportunity to reflect on the profound impacts of Canada’s Residential School System on Indigenous communities. Innovation Hub Blog Editor & Content & Digital Content Writer Ajeetha, and Research Coordinator Amelia reflect on the importance of this day and their learnings from the Innovation Hub’s Orange Shirt Day event.
Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Sociology, and Amelia Di Meo, Research Coordinator, Master of Health Science, Translational Research