DESIGN THINKING RESEARCH
At the Innovation Hub, we co-create better futures using design research
OUR PEER-TO-PEER APPROACH
The Innovation Hub takes a design thinking approach that focuses on collecting qualitative data through conversations and storytelling and translating the themes and insights from the data into design criteria. Our approach is highly collaborative and the engaging nature of our work generates excitement about our projects in the U of T community. Additionally, we focus on ensuring that all stakeholders can participate in the consultation process for the project. Our emphasis of designing with students and other community members leads to increased positive sentiment from all stakeholders, as the final design unveils a vision where students can see their needs and insights reflected.
PEER-TO-PEER CONSULTATION MODEL
Our design research relies on a peer-to-peer feedback model. Everything in the Innovation Hub has been designed intentionally to ensure students — both those who work at the Innovation Hub and those who share their stories with us as data — have a great experience. Our goal is to achieve participatory design with students and the broader U of T community, and we are proud of the trust that we’ve built over the years in our commitment to have ethical research practices. Our process provides you with a full design-thinking investigation and consultation on the needs of your community. By utilizing design thinking methods and empathy-based research to investigate problems relating to the student experience, we help partners design with empathy and deepen their understanding of student needs.
Informed Consent
Well-documented Research Process
Only Students in the Space
TIMELINE
We are committed to keeping our partners informed. This is an overview of the stages and activities involved in our design research projects. Our team of experienced student researchers and designers work closely with the partners to understand their needs, explore new possibilities, and develop solutions that drive meaningful change
Project Kick-off
May
Environmental Scan & Stakeholder Sessions
June
Student Feedback Sessions
September
Co-Creation Sessions
January
Report Findings & Final Presentation
March
COST-RECOVERY MODEL
Once we’ve met with you to discuss your project needs, we’ll create a project proposal that includes all fees. The Innovation Hub offers consultant-quality design thinking in an affordable cost-recovery pricing model that supports student employment. In a full-year project, we ask you to pay the cost of student salaries (typically a casual Team Lead role at 20 hours per week plus 4 work-study students, participant compensation in TBucks, and any other direct costs associated with carrying out your project. Your project directly generates employment for students across all degree and study levels. The Innovation Hub covers all overhead costs of supporting student teams. Project pricing ranges from $25,000 - $35,000 depending on the scope of the project.
DELIVERABLES
Our student teams produce top quality work, and each project is held to the highest standards when it comes to sharing back our findings. The following deliverables are included in our design research projects.
Comprehensive Environmental Scan
Initial Feedback Report
Final Report & Presentation
READY TO GET STARTED?
Please click the link below to tell us more about your project idea and we’ll connect with you to discuss.
WANT A QUICK CONSULTATION WITH STUDENTS?
Sometimes a design research project is out of scope or budget right now. We understand. We offer a limited number of quick student consultations where we meet with a small group of students to discuss one issue on behalf of a partner.