Institute of Design and Innovation

We are thrilled to share insights from our latest partnership between the Institute of Design and Innovation the Drawing Dreams Initiative, led by the amazing Pauline Kanana & Grace Wanene respectively. Together, we are tackling the 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝗺𝘀, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. By moving beyond traditional models, we're embracing an 𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩—one that connects grassroots activism with design-driven solutions to create a dynamic, adaptable support system. This collaboration is about more than just addressing immediate needs; it's about 𝗰𝗼-𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲. Read the full article to explore how we’re building a future of resilience and opportunity for teenage mums! #SocialImpact #DesignThinking #EcosystemApproach #Empowerment #Collaboration #TeenMums #MenstrualHealth #Innovation

? The life of a designer is filled with questions. And so is this post. Many questions alert! 🤔😇 I am opening and perusing over the pages of the book we are writing as a nation.  A book that will be read many years to come. A book that will leave future generations either blessing or cursing those who lived before them. The book is folding me in a blanket of imagination and questions. Amidst all that is happening, and as history has it, there is always someone thriving in the chaos. They sleep, wake up, walk, talk, eat, and drink chaos.  In a world where we are either floating or bloating in chaos, who is that courageous human who will stand and steer us against the grain of rot? Or which side will make the unpopular move to save the rest? At what point shall the system listen to the people, and at what point shall the people listen to the system?  Where’s that junction where both sides could meet and agree on the next road to take together? Wouldn’t this be the most coveted marriage in the history of reign? A marriage where everyone stands to gain? What must happen for this seeming state of equilibrium to be achieved?  What will it cost, if it must, and shall we be happy as that data is archived? Are we trying to reach an unreachable goal? Or does the goal keep shifting? I am always amused by this concept called infinity that I learned in my Calculus class on campus; it demonstrated that if you make a move toward an object, but every time you move by a fraction of the remaining distance, you will never get to the object. You will only get so close but never get to it.  Is there some magic that we need to perform to get where we ought to be as a country? Is getting there even possible to start with, and if it is, what’s the ideal path(s)? Designers in the room, what role do we want to play for our country, amidst all this chaos?  Keep observing or Act now? What if we took it as our responsibility to generate and propose ideas that could be revolutionary for our motherland? Think around systems, processes, mindsets, character, inherited culture, etc. What if we did this with confidence and hope that our submissions would be received, accepted, and adopted?  How might we as designers help our beloved nation find its TRUE NORTH, so that we can all appreciate and enjoy being its descendants? Finally, Designers, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, think about these things. David N. Kaguima #CommunityEngagement #ExplorativeResearch #SocialImpact #SRHR #YouthEmpowerment #HumanCenteredDesign #instituteofdesignandinnovation #designforimpact #designforimpactfellowship #ididesigninternship #impactdesigners

🌍✨ Celebrating World Youth Skills Day At IDI, we recognize the transformative power of skills and the pivotal role they play in shaping a brighter future. On World Youth Skills Day, we celebrated the incredible potential of youth and the importance of equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. We believe that every young mind has the potential to bring unique and valuable perspectives. Let's continue to invest in their skills and potential, creating a future where every young person can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. To celebrate World Youth Skills Day, IDI hosted an online trivia challenge for its members. It was a fun and engaging way to test our knowledge on various skills that are valuable in today's world. Additionally, we recognize the relevance of gaming in the world of design. Gaming offers innovative solutions to some of the most aching problems by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. It serves as a powerful tool to inspire and develop essential skills needed in design and beyond. #WorldYouthSkillsDay #YouthEmpowerment #HumanCenteredDesign #Innovation #SkillDevelopment #FutureLeaders #DesignThinking #CommunityBuilding

After spending a week in Laikipia conducting field research, we embarked on synthesizing the findings we had captured from the field. Our dedicated team worked tirelessly to identify key themes, generate valuable insights, and develop detailed personas that truly represent the diverse voices of our community. The energy and enthusiasm we encountered were inspiring, and we are excited to align our final report with these findings to better serve and support the Ndoto Community Hub. This journey has reaffirmed our commitment to creating meaningful change and fostering a nurturing environment for growth and development. The collaborative spirit we witnessed is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. We are eager to implement initiatives that reflect the needs and aspirations of those we serve. Stay tuned for more updates as we transform these insights into actionable programs that will make a lasting difference! 🚀✨ Proportion - Human Centered Design agency Munyala Mwalo Kanana Pauline Thomas Schuurmans Grace Wanene Epiphany Muriuki Sarah Mpapuluu Rose Njenga Amina Ahmed Ryan Maninga Major Maina David N. Kaguima Kubati waLukoye Denise Wendy #CommunityEngagement #designforimpact #designforimpactfellowship #ididesigninternship #impactdesigners

In our mission to create meaningful impact, one of the core principles we uphold is immersing ourselves in the communities we aim to serve. From the 10th to 15th of June 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to partner with Drawing Dreams Initiative and engage deeply with the community in Laikipia County, specifically in Nanyuki town and Naibor. Our journey began with mapping the current ecosystem, focusing on underserved youths and women. We conducted in-depth interviews and research to uncover the needs, wants, and pain points of those we seek to support. This process also provided valuable insights into how existing partnerships have been formed and sustained within these spaces. Being on the ground, feeling and experiencing the environment as the community does, is crucial. It allows us to gain authentic insights and understand the nuanced challenges and opportunities that may not be evident from afar. The perspectives we gathered on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Mental Health, particularly among young men, were both eye-opening and, at times, surprising. From a design perspective, this immersive approach is essential. It enables us to create solutions that are not only functional but also empathetic and tailored to the unique context of each community. By experiencing their environment firsthand, we can design with a deeper understanding and greater precision, ensuring that our interventions truly meet their needs. This explorative research has not only deepened our understanding but also reinforced the importance of listening to and learning from the communities we serve. Their stories and experiences shape our approach and drive us to foster impactful change. Stay tuned for more updates on our findings and the next steps in our journey. Thank you to DDI and the Laikipia community for sharing your world with us. Together, we can build solutions that truly resonate and make a difference. Proportion - Human Centered Design agency Munyala Mwalo Kanana Pauline Thomas Schuurmans Grace Wanene Epiphany Muriuki Sarah Mpapuluu Rose Njenga Amina Ahmed Ryan Maninga Major Maina David N. Kaguima Kubati waLukoye Denise Wendy #CommunityEngagement #ExplorativeResearch #SocialImpact #SRHR #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthEmpowerment #HumanCenteredDesign #instituteofdesignandinnovation #proportionglobal #drawingdreamsinitative #designforimpact #designforimpactfellowship #ididesigninternship #impactdesigners

Last weekend, we had the incredible opportunity to partner with Drawing Dreams Initiative on their flagship Road Trip For a Cause, where we engaged in a series of impactful events focused on advancing Menstrual & Gender Equity and Climate Action. We engaged both boys and girls in candid dialogues about menstruation, breaking down taboos and providing essential menstrual products to combat period poverty. Our journey took us to the heart of the community in Amboseli, where we not only taught but also issued menstrual products. This was all in a bid to bring an end to period poverty. This initiative was a joint effort with Elvis Mashua, our hosts, who also emphasized the importance of environmental conservation. A highlight of the trip was witnessing creative storytelling by Critical Conversations Stephen Muasya Neema Bagamuhunda Dennis Otieno Opondo. Through creative theatrical acts and skits, they addressed sensitive topics, opening up new avenues for discussion and understanding. The messages around environmental conservation and menstrual health were made simple and relatable for the audience, acting as a bridge to comfortably talk about such issues. Our hosts, Heads and Hands Initiative, provided a welcoming space at MCV where we connected deeply with the Maasai culture. One of the most touching experiences was visiting the Nice Place Foundation , a sanctuary for girls seeking refuge from harmful practices like FGM and early marriages. The foundation also trains these young leaders to be agents of change in their communities. The students there shared poems, vividly portraying the issues their community faces, especially around ending FGM and early marriages. Their words were a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. From a design perspective, immersing ourselves in these environments is essential. It enables us to create solutions that are not only functional but also empathetic and tailored to the unique context of each community. Together, we can create ripples of change. Thank you to all the partners and the vibrant communities for making this possible. Stay tuned for more updates on our findings and the next steps in our journey. Munyala Mwalo Kanana Pauline Grace Wanene Epiphany Muriuki Rose Njenga Ryan Maninga David N. Kaguima Sarah Mpapuluu Major Maina Amina Ahmed

The impact of personalities in design practice is undeniable. By understanding and leveraging different personality traits, designers can enhance their professional growth, improve collaboration, and drive more effective design outcomes. Embracing diversity, fostering effective communication, and promoting continuous learning are key to thriving in the dynamic field of design. Examining ourselves beyond the framework of biases and intentionally leveraging our personal elements can make or break our success in creating meaningful and impactful designs. #design #Personalitytraits Kanana Pauline Denise Wendy Julita Bhagat Proportion - Human Centered Design agency Thomas Schuurmans Munyala Mwalo Dave Kennedy

To see one of our fellows actively engage in a program with profound potential impact is a moment of great pride for us. It stands as a testament to the outstanding training and mentorship we offer. Soar high Major Maina 👏🏾👏🏾

In 2023, the Institute of Design and Innovation celebrated a year filled with remarkable achievements. Teaming up with Proportion - Human Centered Design agency, we embarked on a transformative 6-week journey alongside Founders Factory Africa Academy Explore Program, where we had the privilege of working closely with 135 visionary entrepreneurs. Together, we brought the principles of human-centered design to the forefront of their businesses and business ideas, not only shaping their ventures but also nurturing the character and mindset of each entrepreneur. Venture building demands unwavering dedication, hard work, commitment, and boundless resilience. It thrives on an open mind, adaptability, a willingness to embrace change, and the courage to take risks. Throughout the program, our participants displayed an insatiable hunger for knowledge, absorbing invaluable insights from our coaching team at the Institute of Design and Innovation. Collaboration was not just encouraged; it was essential, leading many to form partnerships within the program—a testament to the strength of unity in entrepreneurship. Our entrepreneurs embarked on a transformative journey that saw them discover their true identities as entrepreneurs, define their business challenges, engage in ideation, design prototypes, refine their business models, and ultimately pitch for grants that would catapult their business ventures to new heights. A heartfelt salute to our team of dedicated facilitators— Munyala Mwalo, Kanana Pauline, Thomas Schuurmans, Julita Bhagat, Winter Mutheu and Sarah Mpapuluu —and our extraordinary coaches—Tracy Lihanda, Jessica Wangai, Koki Kyalo, Moses Mwaniki, Denise Wendy, and Angela Kinuthia. Their unwavering support and hands-on guidance were instrumental throughout this enriching 6-week odyssey. As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded of the profound words of Helen Keller: 'Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.' Indeed, by working together, we have achieved a common goal that will resonate far beyond these six weeks—building businesses and building Africa for a brighter and more prosperous future. #Entrepreneurship #Collaboration #BuildingAfrica #FoundersFactoryAfrica #youthentrepreneurship #youthdevelopment #humancentereddesign #startups

Seeds of Innovation: Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator Shines Bright. What an auspicious day for the Mombasa Plastics Prize innovators! On Tuesday, November 7th, at the EnglishPoint Marina, the 9 teams from #mppincubator had the opportunity to meet with government officials from 6 departments in the County Government of Mombasa and mentors in the #entrepreneurship space. They shared their ideas, progress, and asked questions to help propel their businesses further. This intentional mix of policy perspective and #entrepreneurshipmindset provided the young innovators with a clear understanding of what it takes to start and run a sustainable business. Topics discussed ranged from loans and grants to licensing and permits, subsidies and incentives all the way to the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, such as compliance, access to markets, finance, strategy, and brand awareness. We were delighted to have the Deputy Governor of Mombasa, Francis Thoya, who is also the CEC of Environment and Solid Waste Management in Mombasa, grace the event. One concern raised by the innovators was the lack of government enforcement on #wastesegregation. The Deputy Governor emphasized that "enforcement of policy should be a collaborative effort where the government leads the way for sustainable business." The event also had the presence of USAID's Clare Romanik, the Lead Ocean Plastics and Urban Advisor, who mentioned that "the best way to solve critical challenges is by involving businesses as part of the driving force for long-term change - this is the sustainable way." We would like to give a special shoutout to our Emcee for the day, Eva Kimani, for providing the 5Cs: #Connections, #Collaboration, #Capacity, #Continuous learning, and #Commitment. These are all important considerations in the world of entrepreneurship and especially in fostering SDG 17. Lastly, we want to recognize our consortium partners: Swahilipot Hub Foundation, BrandSpark® , Close the Gap, ChallengeWorks, and our Proportion - Human Centered Design agency team (Pauline Kanana, Winter Mutheu, and Koki Kyalo) - for working together to bring the right people into the room, making the day an absolute match-making opportunity for the aspiring entrepreneurs. Onwards and upwards! #mppincubator #sustainablebusinesses #plasticwaste #entrepreneurship #partnerships