Project Background

The Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communication (AKU GSMC), in collaboration with DW Akademie, recently launched a Media Innovation Centre (IC Media Futures) in Nairobi, aiming to support media start-ups to create viable products of high journalistic quality. 

This project has been extended to provide innovation support for large media houses in Kenya to build innovative ideas that will either complement their current product/services or bring in a new product/service line(s). As such it was of importance to partner with an organization that focuses on Human Centred Design focused innovations. 

Project Scope

• Conduct feasibility studies and needs analysis for the submitted innovations
• Create an HCD curriculum to train the participating journalists 
• Run ideation sessions
• Facilitate prototyping of innovative products/services
• Usability testing of the Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).

The Observations

The media space is highly competitive and innovation is the only way to keep ahead of the competition. Innovation in this space is not only in terms of products and services that the media house offers but also in terms of streamlining the internal processes to ensure optimal operations. 

Outcomes

• Impacted HCD knowledge to the participating journalists in both innovation and media house activities
• 6 new products and services to both improve service delivery in the media houses and new revenue lines.