Human Centred Design Innovation
Human-centered design (HCD) is a creative approach to problem-solving that starts with the people you’re designing for and ends with new solutions that are purpose-built to suit their needs and aspirations.
HCD involves people in all stages of the design process to cultivate deep empathy with the people you’re designing for; generating new ideas; building various prototypes; sharing what you’ve made with the users to get their feedback and suggestions for further improvements; till you eventually have a solution that really resonates with users.
Our HCD Innovation Process
Transforming Bold Ideas into Real Impact
To strengthen the capacity of our program teams, we introduced a dedicated learning trajectory centered on innovative methodologies such as Human-Centered Design (HCD). This initiative laid the groundwork for the Power to You(th) HCD Innovation Process, which aimed to transform local ideas into meaningful change. Rooted in HCD and inclusive collaboration, the process empowered youth-led organizations across seven countries to explore, co-create, and pilot solutions that directly addressed the challenges faced by young people in their communities. At its core, this approach underscored the belief that impactful innovation stems from deep understanding, cross-learning, and sustained support.
Youth-Led Impact Through Human-Centered Design:
Stories of Change from Uganda, Ghana & Kenya
🇺🇬 Uganda – Safe Haven
With teenage pregnancies on the rise, especially in districts like Kalangala, Safe Haven is tackling the issue by empowering adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) with youth-friendly contraceptive services, peer education, and inclusive community advocacy. By working closely with healthcare providers and fostering meaningful youth participation, Safe Haven is reshaping reproductive health access and ensuring AGYW have the tools to make informed decisions.
🇬🇭 Ghana – Youthatalk
Many young people, particularly adolescent girls and persons with disabilities, struggle to engage in governance and influence decisions that impact their lives. YouthaTalk is changing this by equipping youth with the confidence and opportunities to participate in district planning meetings, share their ideas, and advocate for inclusive policies. Inspired by Ghana’s Youth Parliament model, this initiative is breaking barriers and ensuring that marginalized voices are heard at all levels of governance.
🇰🇪 Kenya – Community-Led Change
In Migori County, Kenya, harmful cultural norms continue to fuel gender-based violence, but change is underway. Innovators are fostering intergenerational dialogue, bringing young and senior men together to challenge harmful traditions. Schools are teaching positive masculinity, shaping boys into allies for gender equality. Meanwhile, film is being used as a catalyst for community discussions, sparking critical reflections and reshaping perspectives. These efforts are transforming communities and creating a future where women’s rights are upheld.
Power To You(th) aims to amplify youth voices and participation in creating change. We believe change starts with the community.
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