The Ask
Design and implement a digital information service that enables small and medium-sized NGOs to adopt data-driven approaches in program design and execution while considering their resource limitations.
The Observation
Small and medium-sized NGOs often face resource constraints that hinder their ability to design and implement data-driven programs effectively. The influence of donor organizations and funders on grant choices and program implementation is significant but often overlooked in designing data services for this segment.The Process
- Field Research
- Conducted field studies in four cities across Africa: Lagos and Abuja (Nigeria), Dakar (Senegal), and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).
- Engaged with NGOs, donor organizations, and edge case participants to understand their needs, constraints, and aspirations.
- Design Sprint
- Facilitated a 5-day design sprint with consortium partners (Code for Africa, Made, and africa practice), funder representatives, and target users.
- Shared research findings and collaboratively built and tested a prototype of Takwimu.
- Documented the process through video for future reference.
- Implementation Support
- Collaborated with Code for Africa to ensure user-centered development of Takwimu.
- Conducted two rounds of usability testing and an expert design review to refine the platform.
- Ongoing Engagement
- Continued to provide UX expertise to support Takwimu’s evolution and alignment with user needs.
Deliverables
- A prototype of the Takwimu digital information service.
- Documentation of the design sprint and UX study.
- Continuous UX support for iterative improvements.
The Outcome
Takwimu is enabling small and medium-sized NGOs to make data-driven decisions in program design and implementation, enhancing their effectiveness despite resource constraints. The ongoing collaboration ensures the platform remains aligned with user needs and delivers meaningful impact.