PAST PROJECTS
OPEN IMPACT LAB IMPACT EXCHANGE IMPACT ECONOMY RESEARCH HUB
RESEARCH
Activate Enterprise!
APRIL - MAY 2015 | HARARE | IMPACT ECONOMY RESEARCH HUB
Pilot project to investigate youth entrepreneurship in the post-crisis economy of Zimbabwe. Collaborating with Mu’unze Social Enterprise, the research aimed to understand how entrepreneurship can be activated and developed in low resource communities. The research is important in an international context because it promotes the development of creative enterprise in post-crisis economies, and contributes to economic regeneration.
Photo credit: Alia Weston
CleanCube Project
LAUNCH DECEMBER 2014 | INDIA, NORTH AMERICA | IMPACT ECONOMY RESEARCH HUB
The goal of the CleanCube Project is to design a socially innovative, affordable product which will provide clean water in areas that need it most. CleanCube is designed to be used in any shape and sized water bottle to remove pathogens that cause illness and preventable death. Following product development, the aim is to develop economic opportunities which will promote women’s empowerment, and leverage sales from North America. The project is an ongoing collaboration with Grand challenges Canada and TrickleUp Design Inc.
Photo credit: CleanCube Project, TrickleUp Design Inc.
Sprout Guerilla
LAUNCH DECEMBER 2014 | TORONTO | IMPACT ECONOMY RESEARCH HUB
In collaboration with Sprout Guerilla and SSHRC, the Sprout Guerilla research project was initiated to understand the impact that bioremediation art/design projects have on environmental sustainability. The project is ongoing until 2016 and will culminate in a knowledge exchange event which will generate awareness of creative forms of environmental sustainability.
Photo credit: Sprout Guerilla
CURRICULAR SUPPORT
Design Abroad India – Social Innovation Projects
MAY 2015 | GOA | IMPACT ECONOMY RESEARCH HUB
The Design Abroad India course offers students a unique opportunity to work within a local community in an international setting to engage in developing solutionsthat can have a meaningful impact. Students integrate what they have learned through participatory design process to develop design solutions that areinnovative, appropriate, and implementable. The 2015 cohort of the Design Abroad India course worked on projects related to the CleanCube Project which aims to address affordable access to clean water and provide economic empowerment for women.
Photo credit: Sarah Tranum, Design Abroad India
Atelier II Collaboration – Student Run Enterprises
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015 | TORONTO | IMPACT ECONOMY RESEARCH HUB
Digital Futures students in the Atellier II Collaboration course developed and ran businesses to understand economic practices in the Maker Economy. Students are able to enhance their employability through combining interests in business, gaming and wearable technology.
Photo credit: Bondage Boy Student Business Project
Entrepreneurship– Student Run Social Enterprises
NOVEMBER 2014 | TORONTO | IMPACT ECONOMY RESEARCH HUB
Students in the Entrepreneurship course developed a range of social enterprises and hosted activities at various locations around Toronto. Businesses activities included art exhibitions, workshops and product design which aimed to create social impact by addressing challenges in the local community. The Entrepreneurship course enables student to gain first-hand experience of running a starting and running business.
Photo credit: Headphone Helpers Student Business Project