The ISU takes a user centred approach to problem solving.
We seek first to engage with a partner and understand their needs, discovering opportunities for improvement where we may be able to help and have an impact. From there we look to develop specific processes or tools that help address the need. We look to incorporate evidence and provide opportunities for learning and training. Through iteration (e.g. with additional communities or groups) we seek to refine the tools until they are ready for spread. From there, we work with partners to share and scale tools we have developed. In this way we maintain our capacity to move towards the next emerging challenge.
We explore a problem space through a LEARNING CYCLE.
Learning cycles are quick (6-12 week) engagements with our partner focused on discovery and the co-design of ideas for change. They are meant to be a quick way to define goals, identify opportunities and understand the scope of work needed. We try to do many learning cycles to gain confidence before committing to a larger workstream. For a summary of our learning cycle process download this PDF.
Based on these learnings, we may move to a larger WORKSTREAM.
The general goal of a workstream is to address a common challenge and spread the approach or scale the learnings to have meaningful impact in BC. The ISU and its partners are prepared to put in time and resources to the workstream for it to be successful.