Did you know that a third of the food we eat relies on animal pollinators like native bees? Unfortunately, bee populations are dwindling across more than four continents, with 40% of invertebrate pollinators at risk of extinction. Given the severity of this issue, especially in Wisconsin, my team’s Master’s capstone project was assigned to address this wicked problem. We focused on the loss of native bee habitats and explored ways to mobilize community members. Through design research and the power of co-designing, we aimed to address this problem in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Our goal was to first raise awareness about the importance of bees and then encourage people to help create 'bee blankets'—essentially, safe havens for bee habitats.
Leveraging Social Sector Partnerships to Conserve Bee Habitats
Project Objective
Phase 1: Revisit, Reframe, Refine
Phase Role: As Project Manager, I established processes, tools, and documentation methods. I collaborated with the team to initiate and lead discussions, creating and managing project timelines effectively.
Objective
Our first phase involved significant revisiting, reframing, and refining. In a previous project, we had spent considerable time identifying the issues contributing to bee decline. We revisited that data to determine what would be useful for our approach regarding bee habitats. During this process, we refined the data, identified key stakeholders, uncovered knowledge gaps, and explored overlooked skills that could contribute to our solution.
If you're interested in reading about our initial research in a previous project, you can read it here!
Methodology
To define our project direction, we first identified the core problems and assessed our knowledge gaps using structured frameworks like the Johari Window. We made sure our objectives aligned with broader environmental targets by considering sustainable development goals. Next, we listed various stakeholders—legislative bodies, corporations, and community groups. Our methods included creating system maps and pinpointing specific needs, ensuring we could target our efforts effectively.
Picture 1: Defined project vision at the end of phase 1, Picture 2: Process of defining the project vision
Phase 2: Prototyping Sprint
Phase Role: I led the search for our pilot space and coordinated all visits and feedback sessions in Stoughton. I also contributed to prototype ideation and integrated regenerative agriculture concepts by leveraging my expertise on Green Swans and the use of innovative, resilient solutions.
Objective
With a clear project direction and a revisited problem statement, we were ready to start the ideation process. Although our phase generally aimed to produce as many low-resolution prototypes as possible, we felt it was necessary to establish a pilot space as well. By the end of this phase, we wanted to begin collecting feedback to refine our prototypes further.
Methodology
Our ideation journey actually began in the previous phase, where we developed an initial system draft. We then moved into an intensive brainstorming phase, creating bold and imaginative system prototypes. Simultaneously, we searched for potential pilot spaces and, after using a well-established criteria and conducting a preliminary visit, we decided on Stoughton, WI. Armed with data from our visit, we created new system drafts (pictured below). During a session held by the Stoughton Innovation Center, we had the opportunity to gather valuable feedback from Stoughton community members.
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Pictures 1 & 2: Some of the prototypes created during Phase 2 (beer was a big thing because well, we were in Wisconsin)
Phase 3: Testing, Feedback and Iteration
Phase Role: As the lead workshop facilitator in this project, I designed the entire workshop layout, led recruitment efforts, and created physical artifacts essential for the interactive sessions.
Objective
This phase was critical for our project's success. We had developed several prototypes, gathered initial feedback, and iterated on those designs. Our goal now was to narrow down to a final solution by gathering community feedback. Instead of following the usual feedback process, we decided to co-design the solution directly with the Stoughton community, ensuring it truly met their needs.
Methodology
We started this project phase by integrating feedback from initial expert consultations into three comprehensive concept maps. Our methodology evolved significantly as we shifted from merely collecting feedback to actively engaging in co-design with the community. This participatory approach came to life during a co-design workshop at the Stoughton Library, where we invited residents to help refine our evolving solution.The workshop had three sections: the first focused on understanding the problem and our project direction, the second on gathering feedback on our solutions, and the third on participants building upon our ideas and developing their own solutions. The workshop proved invaluable; feedback from participants highlighted that diverse demographic groups required customized approaches. This revelation guided us towards the final phase of our project, where we aimed to develop solutions specifically tailored to meet these varied needs.
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Picture 1: Our medium resolution prototypes, Pictures 2 & 3: Stoughton residents at our workshop (pictures taken with consent), Picture 4: Solution presented at the co-design workshop.
Phase 4: High Resolution Prototype
Phase Role: My role was to develop a cohesive brand identity for all deliverable materials and craft the written content for our guidebook. Additionally, I was responsible for delivering the elevator pitch, effectively communicating our project’s value to stakeholders.
Objective
Our final phase involved synthesizing everything we had done throughout the semester into a high-resolution, market-ready prototype. Additionally, we were tasked with effectively integrating the WHY (purpose), WHAT (product), and HOW (process) of our project into a comprehensive presentation and discussion.
Final Deliverable
Our final deliverable was a strategic insight guidebook designed as a social sector solution to address the bee population decline. The guidebook is structured into three sections:
1) Section 1 laid the foundation by mapping a communal vision and underscores the importance of growing awareness, providing necessary education, and increasing engagement within the community.
2) Section 2 delved into specific community-focused strategies for enhancing bee-friendly foraging and shelter, presenting practical areas of focus for implementation.
3) Section 3 detailed a five-step plan on how to effectively implement these strategies, guiding the community through the process of operationalizing the insights gathered.
Additionally, we developed a compelling pitch and associated materials, including visuals and contextual models, to clearly communicate our project’s purpose, features, and benefits to crucial stakeholders. This involved leading a detailed 30-minute discussion with an impactful 5-minute elevator pitch and providing supportive visual media to enhance understanding and engagement.
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Pictured: Some slides from our presentation. If you're interested in viewing the entire presentation, feel free to shoot me an email.
Learnings
Wicked problems are solvable.
I had always been a bit intimidated by problems that seemed too complex to even begin tackling. However, this project taught me an important lesson: we can start solving such problems by beginning small and doing good work in manageable areas, rather than trying to grasp the entire issue and create one overarching solution.
Design with, not design for.
One of the many delights of this project was working with the community of Stoughton. Beyond their incredible helpfulness and engagement, co-designing a solution with them taught me humility. It was amazing to help people realize their own potential and collaborate with them to create a solution for their community. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from these active community members and work together on an awesome solution.
Hunt for the bigger picture.
It's always easy to find a problem and start narrowing down on it immediately, without considering the bigger picture. This project taught me that by helping the bees, we could also be helping the environment through regenerative agriculture. In solving one issue, we were actually addressing another. I wouldn't have realized this if it weren't for our exploration of Theory of Change, regenerative agriculture, and green swans.
Picture 1: My teammates and I presenting our final solution, Picture 2: A printed out version of our guidebook that we intend to donate to the Public Library
