Algonquin’s Human-Centred Design Lab hosting workshop for Carp youth Feb. 1

CARP – Algonquin College’s Human-Centred Design Lab is hosting a workshop in Carp Feb. 1 looking for feedback from youth on the city’s recreational opportunities.

“We are student researchers at the Human-Centred Design Lab at Algonquin College,” student Alice Cheung told West Carleton Online Monday (Jan. 13). “As part of our studies, we are engaged in a project that explores meaningful ways to address community challenges through design research.”

This particular project will focus on recreation opportunities for youth in rural Ottawa. 

“Our research focuses on improving youth engagement with City of Ottawa recreational activities while understanding the needs, views, and experiences of youth as residents of a rural area,” Cheung said. “We aim to better understand their challenges and aspirations to co-create meaningful solutions that address their needs.”

On Feb. 1, from 1:30 to 5 p.m., Algonquin’s Human-Centred Design Lab will host a workshop with Carp youth aged 14 to 17 at the Carp Memorial Hall (3739 Carp Rd.). 

“This co-creation session will involve hands-on activities, idea-sharing, and collaboration to develop solutions that improve recreational engagement and accessibility in their community,” Cheung said. 

Participants will also enjoy pizza, beverages, and a range of fun activities designed to foster creativity and engagement and you could even win gift cards.

This workshop will be a mix of brainstorming, creative activities, and group discussions, providing a platform for your voice to be heard.

Activities include:

• Icebreaker Session: Share your perspective on Carp through a fun warm-up activity.

• Exploration and Mapping Activities: Collaboratively brainstorm ideas and map out preferences for summer and winter recreation in Carp.

• Persona Creation: Work with peers to design a persona that reflects real-life challenges and motivators for youth participation.

• Survey and Feedback: Share your thoughts on the session to help us refine our research.

“In addition to the workshop, we are conducting interviews with subject matter experts to gain deeper insights into rural youth and their community,” Cheung said. “These perspectives will help us inform actionable solutions and better understand the broader context of youth experiences in Carp.”

The project is part of a larger project involving most of the City of Ottawa’s post-secondary education centres to tackle urban challenges.

“Our project is part of City Studio, a collaboration between Algonquin College, uOttawa, Carleton University, and the City of Ottawa, bringing students and the community together to tackle urban challenges,” Cheung said. 

If you are interested in signing up for the Carp workshop Feb. 1, click here.

For more information or questions, contact Jed Looker at lookerj@algonquincollege.com or call 613-727-4723 ext. 6437.

You can find detailed information about City Studio here: https://www.csottawa.ca/.