Applied Learning in Action
Host Company Projects
MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability
making an impact before theyeven graduate.
Whetheryou’re considering applying to the MSc orsim howdesign thinking can be applied to sustainability,w storieswillinspireyou
Host Organisation: Community Roots
Personas Pains Gains
Community Roots
Founders
Workplace
Leadership
Lack of trading income keeping Community Roots volunteer led
Scaling hindered by lack of funding
Under utilised outdoor space
Unimaginative Team building events
CRSD Reporting Requirements
Employees
Long hours in meetings and at their desks
Disconnection with colleagues Departmental divides
Financial security
More time to scale the programme
New Soil Mates members through workplace b hi
Stronger teaming
Company cohesion
Engagement with SDGs
More attractive company culture/talent attraction
Social & Community ties at work
Soil Mates in own locality
Developing new skills through workshops
Connectsemployeestotheirlocalneighbourhoodandbuildsc
EmployeeParticipation
Promotesimprovedmentalandphysicalhealth
FlexiblePackages
Adaptabletoeachworkplace
�� NextSteps
Fromourresearch,wefoundmultipleorganizationsthatwould inthiskindofservice,signinguptobecontactedshouldthisco stepswouldincludedelegatingroleswithinCommunityRoots ofservice,buildingcontactswithfacilitatorstorunworkshops, buddinggrowerstotakeonacorporategarden,andhavingdis interestedorganizationstoseehowthisservicewouldalignwi
Creating personal ownership and a reminder of action that Active Engagement
Foster proactivity and expectations of suggestions and issu
Encourage Biodiversity
Continued support for biodiversity and experiences with W Ireland
Celebrate Achievement
Increase in biodiversity, evolution of the courtyard environm eco-efforts and progress made
over2weeksfromtheendofMarchtothebeginningofApril20 empoweredparticipantswithadeeperunderstanding,enablin informedchoices.Inthefinalsurveywesaw38%upliftinaware footprintand28%upliftinfamiliaritywithstrategiestolowerit haveagoodunderstandingoftheirfootprint(vs60%initially)a theychangedtheirbehaviouronlinebasedonrecommendatio tool
�� NextSteps
Theproposednextstepsfo acro forceandformalpolicies,in rform furtherdevelopingtheDigiF esan seamlesstracking),potentia tiona tofosteracultureofdigital essp champions,andpromoting enga leadershipbysharingknow echn
Dog-Centred
→ Minimizes disruption and supports calmer, healthier
Scalable
→ Easy to roll out across units with phased implementation an
Insights: Too busy. Doesn’t feel supported, intimidated
where to start.
Personas Pains Gains STAND
Difficulties getting Irish students involved
Currently not a strong alumni community around
Third level undergraduate Student
Undergraduate Lecturer
Lack of awareness Time constraints
Doubt that their involvement will make real impact
Integrating referrals and recommendations into their class
Being aware of who STAND are and what they do
Boost STANDs reputation among students and employers
Networking opportunity
Social connection
Skills
Academic Recognition
Chance to engage meaningfully with community
Students are likely to place lecture recommendations / Real-world experience and ability to transfer class teachings into actionable lessons
employee interface would look like an internal
employee search isn’t fruitful Licensing costs may make this
Meet employees where they are
Our interviews suggest that most employees do not check The for the volunteer programme to a dedicated Slack channel kee going.
No pressure
Keep the Slack channel elective. Interested employees can fol in and out as they see fit. This keeps the burden off other comm
Guests from local charities
Invite representatives from local charities for the in-person eve
To talk to us about any of our programmes, please email innovation.academy@ucd.ie and ask for a call back - a member of our team will get in touch to arrange a time to speak.