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Creating Iconic Design Tools with the Noun Project

December 9, 2012

Creating Iconic Design Tools with the Noun Project

Opportunities for accessing clean water in rural communities

November 13, 2012

Opportunities for accessing clean water in rural communities

Design Skills and Life

October 31, 2012

Design Skills and Life

Making energy access safe in Bihar, India

October 31, 2012

Making energy access safe in Bihar, India

ASME commits $12,500 to Catapult projects

October 18, 2012

ASME commits $12,500 to Catapult projects

Catapult Design at Clinton Global Initiative

September 22, 2012

Catapult Design at Clinton Global Initiative

Catapult celebrates surviving its 4th year!

August 21, 2012

Catapult celebrates surviving its 4th year!

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Creating a better design process is not only a goa

Creating a better design process is not only a goal, but also a guiding principle of our work. Recognizing the limitations of design methods, we’ve been working to rewrite the way inclusivity is shown through design - so that more communities see themselves in it. With generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts @neaarts and in partnering with Indigenous design collaborators in Phoenix, Arizona @cahokiaphx, we’ve co-created a groundbreaking system deeply rooted in culture, mindset, and design cues.

The result? A series of Indigenous design markers which outlines success in a project as well as curriculum and a map outlining key partners and other resources. Through this collaboration, we’re shaping a future where inclusivity is the cornerstone of every project.

We are happy to announce our team, including @brianskeetdesign and Indigenous Community Collaborative, has been awarded another generous 2024 NEA grant that will support the next iteration of our Indigenizing Design project. In total, the NEA will award 958 Grants for Arts Projects totaling more than $27.1 million.

Pictured: Indigenizing Design focus group workshop at @cahokiaphx

We’re on the hunt for a 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚

We’re on the hunt for a 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝-𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥, 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲. With a mission to enhance the lives of underserved populations through innovative and accessible design, this role calls for a strategic thinker with over 5 years of experience in social impact and/or creative project management. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in steering project lifecycles, managing client relationships, and driving our culture of creativity and excellence. If you’re a seasoned communicator who loves a challenge and cares deeply about people and our planet, we want to hear from you!

📍 Location: San Francisco, Brooklyn, Savannah, or Remote
💡 Experience: 5+ years in creative project management or social impact
💼 Please contact mailto:careers@catapultdesign.org with your CV and cover letter

Learn more about the impact of our work and this position at our website.

#careers #socialimpactcareer #programmanager #socialimpact

Localization is crucial in human-centered design b

Localization is crucial in human-centered design because it helps to ensure that solutions are created by and relevant to the specific communities they serve. Here’s why localization is prioritized:

- Cultural Relevance: Social, economic, and environmental contexts vary widely across different regions and communities. At Catapult, we use “cultural indicators” to ensure our work is relevant to individual communities. Localizing designs involves understanding these contextual factors and adapting solutions to fit the specific needs, constraints, and opportunities present in each context.

- Longevity: Solutions that are culturally relevant are more likely to be embraced by the community. By tailoring designs to fit local needs, designers can maximize the potential impact of their interventions and promote sustainable behavior change.

- Empowerment: Localization demonstrates respect for the diversity and autonomy of different communities. It acknowledges that one-size-fits-all solutions may not be suitable for all contexts and empowers communities to actively participate in shaping solutions that meet their unique needs.

Prioritizing localization ensures that human-centered design is truly inclusive, responsive, and respectful of the complexity of human experiences. It enables designers to lead the work locally to create solutions that address needs and resonate with their unique identities and values, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and sustainable social impact.

After 16 years at this, we are still learning, but we’re committed to sharing what we learn along the way. Want to join this conversation? Share your comments here or visit our website.

April 14 is the last day to vote for Catapult Desi

April 14 is the last day to vote for Catapult Design's SOCAP Open session submission!

We are excited for the opportunity to spotlight our Gender Equality Design Labs in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Pakistan. This work was completed with several partners, including Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Ideate Innovation, Derz Consulting, Open Knowledge Framework, Paukwa, and DODO Design Agency!

Visit the SOCAP Open website and vote for "Filling Data Gaps through Design" today!

At Catapult Design, we're driven by a simple yet p

At Catapult Design, we're driven by a simple yet profound mission: to improve the quality of life of underserved communities across the world through accessible and innovative design. Recognizing that the majority of our world's population isn't being designed for or with, we believe in the power of co-design to create inexpensive, life-altering products and services. With a focus on consistently improving our design processes, we work to push the field of design forward with every engagement.

We're actively seeking more designers across the globe to join us, particularly in Africa and Latin America. Together, let's harness the power of human-centered design to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Pictured: Emmanuel Nandokha from Spindle Design conducting research in Kenya

Imagine a world where everyone has access to well-

Imagine a world where everyone has access to well-designed products and services that sustain better lives, meet unique needs, and puts people and their communities at the heart of the design process. That’s the essence of human-centered design.

And yet, the reality is that the majority of our world’s population isn’t being designed for or with. Through the co-design of inexpensive and life-altering products and services, the lives of more than two billion people around the globe can be dramatically improved. That’s right...two billion!

Together, we can work towards a future where design empowers everyone, shaping a world where everyone participates in their well-being. Interested in partnering with us to make a change? Visit link in bio to learn more.

Pictured: Indigenizing Design focus group workshop at @cahokiaphx

Catapult Design is a non-profit design firm. We research, design, and develop human-centered products and services to improve the lives of those who need it most. © 2024 Catapult Design.