Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

This poster presents a pilot study in which a workshop series mobilized design process within Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) for military veterans. By examining veteran designed objects and prototypes and post program participant interviews, this poster provides an analysis of the feasibility of design process mobilization within CWT. In 2018, Columbus VA (Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Affairs Ambulatory Care Center) worked with Columbus area nonprofit Local Tech Heroes to develop a CWT program to familiarize veterans with emerging technologies. While looking into the idea of mobilizing design process within the program, Local Tech Heroes cooperated with Columbus VA CWT organizers to pilot a four-session workshop series. Entitled “Improve Our VA”, the series challenged veteran participants to learn and utilize design methods, then propose solutions to problems they identified around the VA facility while using emerging technologies. This opportunity allowed Columbus VA veterans to become familiar with design methods and technologies, including a 3D printer, to modify their environment for the benefit of their community. The pilot program also served as a feasibility study for future CWT programming. Post-program interviews with participants and organizers revealed positive attitudes regarding the CWT program, while also revealing mixed emotions regarding future employment stemming from the short-term pilot. Additionally, this poster presents challenges and roadblocks encountered during the pilot program along with research opportunities to further investigate connections between design and social impact. By engaging with DPP scholars, I hope to incorporate feedback into an expanded CWT program under development for 2019.