ABSTRACT

This study examines whether human-centered design may be a useful approach for training interdisciplinary teams to innovatively address homelessness. This case study examines the implementation of a 10-week graduate seminar in which students worked with youths experiencing homelessness to develop solutions to building social connections. The study explored benefits to students and to the community partner using pre- and postcourse surveys, focus groups, journals, and field observations. Findings reveal changes in student knowledge and attitudes related to homelessness, interdisciplinary work, and personal citizenship. Community members indicated the course created opportunities for their voices to be heard in developing human-centered solutions. The article concludes with a description of the challenges experienced during the course and approaches for overcoming these challenges.

摘要

这项研究探讨了以人为本的设计是否可能是培训跨学科团队创新解决无家可归问题的有用方法。本案例研究考察了为期10周的研究生研讨会的实施情况，该研讨会中学生与无家可归的年轻人一起工作，以开发建立社会联系的解决方案。该研究使用课前和课后调查，焦点小组，期刊和实地观察，探索了对学生和社区合作伙伴的好处。调查结果揭示了与无家可归，跨学科工作和个人公民身份有关的学生知识和态度的变化。社区成员表示，该课程为开发以人为本的解决方案创造了机会，让他们的声音得到倾听。