Solutions labs

What are Solutions Labs?

A “Lab” in this context is an end-to-end process of exploring a challenge, proposing solutions, and experimenting with those ideas to see what works.

In our sphere of work, a lab is a process of researching and conducting experiments on social challenges:

• How can we end human trafficking?
• How do we transition our supply sustainable society?
• How do we ensure all Canadians have access to affordable housing?
• What do we need to do across the supply chain to be fit for the future?

Our Lab Philosophy

We bring a Lab Philosophy of whole-system representation, user-centred design, and solutions ownership to our lab designs.

Whole-System Representation: to find solutions that work in a system, that entire system needs to be somehow represented in the room. We map the system you are working in to see who needs to be engaged.

User-Centred Design: Solutions must centre around the experience of the person who is going to be using it / impacted by it.

Solutions Ownership: When we come up with solutions, the people or organizations that would play a key role in making it happen – must be in the room. Without their buy-in early on, the actual implementation doesn’t generally happen.

Sample Lab Process:

Example Labs

Housing Through an Autism Lens
https://www.hal-lab.ca/solutions-lab

Family Homeless Lab

Link TBD