Introduction
The SLC Human-centered Design community, founded by Chris between 2016 and 2020, aimed to provide a platform for designers, innovators, entrepreneurs, managers, and consultants in Salt Lake City, Utah, to connect, practice, and learn new methods for creating and sustaining change through Design Thinking. The community conducted numerous public workshops and innovation challenges, fostering a safe environment for creative leaders to grow and develop their skills.

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Human-centered design (HCD) is an approach to problem-solving and product development that places the needs and experiences of people, particularly end-users or customers, at the core of the design process. It involves understanding the everyday thinking, emotions, and behavior of users and actively involving them from the start of the design process. HCD seeks to empathize with users, identify their real needs and challenges, and create innovative solutions that address these needs effectively

 

The Problem

Before the establishment of the SLC Human-centered Design community in 2016, Salt Lake Valley lacked a design-inspired innovation program or community of practice for creative leaders. This absence meant that designers, innovators, entrepreneurs, managers, and consultants did not have a dedicated space to connect, practice, and learn new methods for creating and sustaining change. The absence of such a community limited opportunities for collaboration, skill development, and knowledge exchange in the region.

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Why Was This A Problem

The absence of a human-centered design community in Salt Lake Valley posed several challenges for professionals and practitioners in the region. Without a platform for interaction and skill development, individuals lacked the opportunity to explore innovative solutions to complex challenges effectively. The absence of a community-led to limited creative confidence, reduced perspective diversity, and constrained impact.

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Solution

The SLC Human-centered Design community, initiated by Chris, addressed the problem by providing a dynamic platform for creative leaders to engage in innovation challenges and workshops. The community tackled "big picture" challenges, such as healthcare, education, and government-related issues. Workshops offered opportunities to practice various design thinking methods, including Design Sprints, Liberating Structures, Gamestorming, Career Development, and Futures Thinking, among others.

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The community's focus on fostering different perspectives and skill sets was instrumental in attracting over 1600 members. Participants joined the community with the common goal of personal and professional growth, seeking to enhance their creative confidence, influence, and impact. The community provided a supportive environment to help members develop new skills, drive innovative solutions, build bridges, and foster enjoyable interactions.