OUR SERVICES
At the Innovation Hub, we partner with changemakers.
A DESIGN THINKING CO-CREATION APPROACH
Meaningful consultation with students and other important stakeholders requires time and attention so that people feel valued throughout the process. The Innovation Hub provides partners with a full design-thinking investigation and consultation tailored to the unique needs of their community. Using design thinking methods and empathy-based research to investigate problems and answer questions related to student and campus experiences, we help partners design with students using a human-centred approach. Since 2016, the Innovation Hub has established trust with a wide network of U of T students, staff, faculty and alumni and honed expertise in design research and co-creation using our empathetic, ethical and equitable approach.
Our projects range in scope from designing campus spaces and services, policy evaluation, listening to the needs of students from equity-deserving groups, ideating for the future, and more.
WHAT OUR PARTNERS SAY
The Innovation Hub provides an outstanding and innovative solution to this challenge of speaking to students in the student voice. Hear what our past partners have to say about our work.
The Innovation Hub provides an outstanding and innovative solution to this challenge of speaking to students in the student voice.
“While University staff work diligently to support the student experience, there are times when the best people to speak to students on sensitive topics are other students."
- Andrea Russell, Director of Academic Affairs, Office of the Vice-President & Provost
Working with the Innovation Hub is the perfect way to engage students in researching an issue or project, creating space for student voices, and identifying a path forward.
“The employment of design thinking not only makes the process that much more meaningful, but it also enables the project team to ask critical questions that get the clients and users to think about the roots of the issue – thus, better enabling them to frame a solution that is more sustainable and impactful. And on top of it all, they’re a great team to work with! Always a pleasure and so thoughtful in their approach."
– David Kim, Warden, Hart House
Their approach is unique as it is truly empathetic of student experiences and expert in designing solutions that reflect student needs.
“Sport and Rec strives to make programs and services accessible and representative of student wants and needs. To do so, we needed to improve at being truly accessible and reflective of the diverse student body, and this meant hearing from students who use our services and those not yet participating. The Innovation Hub provides that input by developing student-led teams that consult with peers in innovative ways. The results are invaluable insights that consulting firms simply cannot offer."
– Luc Simard, Director, Sport and Recreation
WHY PARTNER WITH US
We have proven experience consulting with students
After thousands of empathy-based conversations with students, we’re experts at recognizing student needs.
Your project supports meaningful student employment
Every member of our team is a current U of T student or recent graduate. We invest in each team member’s goals and learning. Most of our leaders have grown through their work on our team.
Every project is branded to engage your audience
We think about positive public relations with your community while designing each project’s unique brand to ensure engagement and show students how much you care.
We get honest student feedback using a peer-to-peer approach
Our design research model involves students talking to other students. We create a comfortable space where students can be honest.
Innovative solutions co-created with the community
We bring people into the idea generation phase of our design research, helping generate co-created solutions to address student needs.
We provide insights & visions for change driven by data
Professional reports and presentations are designed to use data to inspire you with insights that fuel change and deepen understanding of student experiences.
SUPPORT MEANINGFUL STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
By partnering with the Innovation Hub, you support meaningful student employment. Here are just a few things that past and current team have said about their time working here:
“Being a UofT student is more than just academics and classes, and Innovation Hub has provided me the opportunity to grow my professional skills and explore my career options."
– Yannie Mork, UTQAP Team Coordinator, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Sociology & Ethics, Society, and Law
“I learned navigating change. That came in multiple forms; change in teammates, change in pace, and even change in mindset when it comes to designing."
– Tehseen Sarwar, Digital Storyteller, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Architectural Studies and Environmental Studies
“Learning how to work in a team for a variety of projects has been made possible by an environment that fosters connection and collaboration. This is also where I have developed my most employable skills."
– Ruth Rodrigues, Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead, Master of Education, Social Justice Education
“Being a member of the Innovation Hub encouraged me to find connections between my academics and my work. I learned transferrable skills that helped me better identify what I am most passionate about."
– Katrina Soong, Qualitative Data Archivist, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, English, and History
“My role as a design researcher has taught me how to utilize empathetic thinking & prioritize active listening skills."
– Reese Halfyard, Design Researcher, Bachelor of Information
“Working at the Innovation Hub has strengthened my leadership and interpersonal skills."
– Eli Rose, Design Research Team Lead, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
"I've learned so many skills that will no doubt be used later on in my professional career."
– Delphine Ji, Design Research Team Lead, PhD Candidate, Neuroscience
