Design Challenges
Issues can be named. Problems can be solved.
Any group confronting a complex, multifaceted issue can benefit from a design challenge. These can range from small teams, whole organizations, larger communities and municipalities, or even statewide convenings. Proximate stakeholders – those most affected – take the lead in identifying problems and working towards actionable solutions.
Our Process
Each Design Challenge process is tailored to the unique needs of the group and the specific problem they aim to solve.
Listening to
Proximate Voice
Conducting interviews with impacted individuals in order to better understand the context and needs of the community.
Facilitated
Gatherings
Hosting listening sessions which will culminate in a Design Challenge where participants share perspectives, explore challenges, and co-create solutions that residents and community leaders can implement.
Actionable
Insights
Delivering a synthesis of findings and practical recommendations to guide policy and community-driven initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from a Design Challenge?
Any group confronting a complex, multifaceted issue can benefit from a design challenge. These can range from small teams, whole organizations, larger communities and municipalities, or even statewide convenings. Proximate stakeholders – those most affected – take the lead in identifying problems and working towards actionable solutions.
What is a Design Challenge?
Samara Strategies provides facilitated design processes to engage community members, analyze needs, identify problems to be solved, and develop prototypes, policies, or interventions that the participants can implement.
Where do Design Challenges take place?
Wherever you are! Samara is based in Lewiston, but runs Community Design Challenges throughout the state of Maine. Processes can be held in-person or virtually, depending on the needs and availability of the communities involved.
When can we schedule a Design Challenge?
Time is a luxury that many full-time professionals, service providers, students, parents, and others cannot take for granted. Design Challenges are efficient processes that can take place on your schedule. We can help an organization get unstuck in less than two hours and move towards a solution. A more extended retreat or series of workshops may be utilized for deeper, stickier issues.
Why a Design Challenge?
What is the cost of a Design Challenge?
Our a la carte fee-for-service model is flexible and allows partners to select the necessary elements. Packages can vary to your community’s needs, from including more expansive processes of stakeholder interviews, facilitated workshops, design challenges, and ongoing project coaching to a simple 90-minute challenge. We collaborate with partners to outline a process that fits their scope and goals.
Let’s Work Together
Tell us about the issue you’re looking to address, and our team will follow up to schedule a free discovery call.