Studio Spring 2017
How can we improve the resettlement experience for emerging refugees in Dallas?
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global organization that works to “restore health, safety, education, economic well-being and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster”. Their work in the U.S. centered largely on the yearly Dallas refugee resettlement process which helps more than 1000 refugees including 70-100 refugees aged 18-28.
On January 27, 2017, an Executive Order was signed to reduce the total refugee intake from 110,000 to 50,000 individuals. This forced agencies to reduce budgets and cut staff by up to 50%.
TEAM:
Andre Bouillon | Maggie Inhofe | Joe Minardi |Ana Rios Martinez | Gillian Salerno-Rebic
Young adult refugee friendships and authentic connections were the core principles to drive the design of the solution. After prototyping a software that could help schedule and facilitate meet-ups between clients and Americans, the team uncovered the design principle that personal interactions were valued higher than digital.
Hello Friend was designed as a mentor program to serve as a resource for youth age 18-28 by providing social interaction, cultural guidance, and assistance in navigating what it means to be a thriving young adult in Dallas. Through two-hour monthly experiences run by four mentors, participants would experience introductions, games, art and discussions to increase levels of English proficiency and learn about American culture. Training materials, welcome guides and supply kits were designed to support the IRCs budgetary constraints and enable easy implementation.
TEAM:
Antonia Agbeh | Thom Browne | Courtney Kent| Edward Li
The Peer Adventure Crew and Adventures by Design was a solution based on four principles:
- Be experiential and adventurous.
- Create moments where all involved feel comfortable and confident.
- Provide group social experiences.
- Help refugees practice English in an immersive environment.
This new program was intended to foster exploration and socialization in refugees aged 18-28. A series of four highly immersive excursions were designed and supported by off-the-shelf guidebooks that would allow IRC staff and volunteers to quickly engage displaced youth by introducing them to new people while exploring their new city and learning the language in an immersive and engaging activity.
