Problem Identification: Utilizing Human-Centered Design Principles to Jumpstart Your Venture

Recipients participated in a virtual course on Human-Centered Design (HCD), in which they learned to use HCD principles to identify, define, and validate a problem that represents an opportunity for innovation in their work or community. During the course, participants worked through the four stages of HCD: (1) clearly defining why a problem represents an opportunity for innovation, defining an unmet need for a user segment, and conducting a current solutions analysis; (2) defining the impact metrics, benefits to stakeholders, and brainstorming and prototyping solutions; (3) evaluating financial viability and creating a pilot plan; and (4) effectively pitching an innovation.