Design4Impact 3 (2023)

Uplifting vulnerable families in the community

Adjusting to post-pandemic life with constantly evolving adaptations has taken a toll on the physical, mental and emotional health of many. This is especially the case for vulnerable families, many of whom struggle to make ends meet. Without adequate resources and support, they face an uncertain future – exacerbated by struggles and anxieties over health, education and relationships.

The median household income of families who sought help from local charity Beyond Social Services fell from $1,600 before the COVID-19 pandemic to $500, according to a study by the charity which helps people from low-income backgrounds.

Despite efforts by various groups, there is room to do more. Strengthening our social compact and fostering ground-up initiatives are essential to creating a more inclusive society where every Singaporean has access to meaningful opportunities.

The third run of D4I provided an opportunity for social-minded Singaporeans to join hands with other passionate individuals in our community, partners, and the Government to contribute new and innovative approaches that would uplift and empower vulnerable families.

All participants had the opportunity to attend industry-led design thinking workshops with pedagogy and training jointly developed by the NUS-ISS and DesignSingapore Council’s School of X (Dsg SoX); pitch their ideas to attain seed funding; network with potential funders, community partners and agencies; and be guided and championed by sector developers to implement their winning solutions in the community.

Challenge statements

Holistic Education & Well-being

How might we create a positive and encouraging environment that empowers children and youth to grow into resilient, confident individuals?

Finance & Employment

How might we ensure working adults from vulnerable families are given the resources to improve their economic circumstances?

Health & Well-being

How might we develop better health systems and community networks to help families stay physically and psychologically healthy?

A comprehensive and immersive learning journey

The curriculum for design and piloting was developed by the Smart Health Leadership Centre at NUS-ISS.

Participants underwent five stages of learning as part of the D4I3 experience.

Phase 1: Empathy
Research and immerse in the needs and challenges of our users

Phase 2: Define
Analyse research, synthesise insights and refine the design challenge​

Phase 3: Ideate
Generate ideas and concepts based on research insights​

Phase 4: Prototype
Transform conceptual ideas into tangible solutions​

Phase 5: Test & Iterate
Test solutions and improve though iteration

Judging criteria

Solution Fit
To what extent does the proposed solution address the problem statement and end users’ needs effectively?

Feasibility/Scalability
How easy will it be to develop and implement a working model of this solution?

Application of Design Thinking Principles
How well has the team used design thinking principles (empathy, define, ideate, prototype, test & iterate) to inform their solution?

Pitch & Presentation
How has the team articulated their proposal and engaged the audience?

Innovation
How well does the solution present new concepts or approaches to tackle the design challenge?

D4I3 Pitch Day