This document explores the significant role of Human-Centered Design (HCD) in addressing the critical issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through a case study of the UNFPA FGM Hack Lab. The hack lab served as a platform for innovators from eight African countries to collaborate and develop practical solutions aimed at educating, preventing, and ultimately eradicating FGM. By employing HCD principles, participants were able to transform their ideas into scalable and implementable solutions, highlighting the importance of community involvement in tackling complex social challenges.
HCD and Its Importance
Human-centered design is a problem-solving approach that prioritizes the experiences and needs of the people being served. This methodology is grounded in the belief that effective solutions to complex challenges arise when designers collaborate with the individuals they aim to assist. In the context of the UNFPA FGM Hack Lab, HCD principles were crucial in transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions that could be expanded to a larger scale, ensuring that the voices of women and girls affected by FGM were at the forefront of the design process.
Planning and Implementation
The success of the UNFPA FGM Hack Lab hinged on meticulous planning and execution of a 5-day remote boot camp. Coordinated by MADE in collaboration with other HCD workshop facilitators, the boot camp involved training participants on digital tools for remote workshops, utilizing the Theory of Change to flesh out ideas, and imparting knowledge on HCD in preparation for the pitch event.
However, the boot camp faced several challenges, including internet connectivity issues, time zone differences, language barriers among participants, and technological problems related to server issues. Overcoming these obstacles was essential for the smooth operation of the boot camp.
HCD Principles
During the boot camp, participants engaged deeply with HCD principles to shape their ideas and pitches. The design thinking process encompassed empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing, with a strong emphasis on understanding the needs of the end-users—women and girls affected by FGM. This focus enabled participants to develop solutions that were not only effective but also sustainable in the long term.
Presented Ideas
The ideas generated during the boot camp were diverse, ranging from mobile and web applications to films, community forums, and educational books. This variety reflected the unique cultures and contexts of the participants' communities. The application of HCD principles empowered participants to refine their ideas and transform them into actionable solutions.
Outcomes and Impact
The UNFPA FGM Hack Lab yielded positive outcomes, with two groups receiving grants of USD 50,000 each to implement their ideas. These groups were also incubated in the UNFPA Innovation Lab to further develop their solutions. The boot camp not only achieved its objectives but also equipped participants with essential HCD skills for designing innovative solutions to various community challenges.
The FGM Hack Lab stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the critical role of HCD in driving social change. MADE by People is proud to have played a pivotal role in organizing this virtual boot camp, which provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in HCD. The project underscored the importance of community-based solutions and the necessity of including local voices in the fight against FGM.
As HCD experts, we firmly believe that initiatives like the UNFPA FGM Hack Lab are vital for fostering social change and empowering communities to address complex challenges. By centering the design process around the needs of the people, we can create sustainable and scalable solutions that make a meaningful impact. At MADE by People, we are committed to applying HCD for social impact, striving for a fairer world where every community has the potential to develop innovative solutions to their specific challenges. Together, we can work towards a better future for all.
