Dott 07 case studies

What practical steps can be taken to improve daily life for people with dementia – and that of their carers? Designers generated four ideas, from cafés to concierges, including the implementation of a Dementia Signposting Service and a volunteer mentoring scheme.
 

How can young people concerned about the environment take practical action to improve their immediate surroundings? Designers helped 16,000 students from across the North East calculate the carbon footprint of their school.

Leading a lifestyle with low environmental impact is a great intention, but can low income households afford it? Designers created a blueprint for energy saving with an investment service and an energy reduction service by working with local people.

Students, teachers, designers and the community of Walker Tech worked together to produce a brief for architects building their new school to ensure it wasn't isolated from their community and that it provided space that’s conducive to different sorts of learning.

How can people from a small rural community, where public transport is infrequent and expensive, get where they need to go without the need for new cars and roads? Designers developed a lift exchange programme and improved access to information about current public transport provision.

How can sexual health services be made easier to access and use – and less stigmatised? Designers worked with local health services to identify people’s needs and design a user-centred sexual health service.

Working in a very small business can be difficult. Designers helped six micro businesses in the North East get together to share their experiences and develop solutions to common problems.

Global food systems are not sustainable. Designers helped co-ordinate 1,000 people to grow, cook and eat food produced within the city limits of Middlesbrough.