In August, I worked closely with a talented team of Design School colleagues at QUTs three-day Intensive Lab. This innovative format teaches us to listen, think and respond with empathy as designers, so we can make a positive impact on people's lives.  

We worked with community partner, Multicap. Our challenge was to pitch a practical idea to enable their social enterprise, Makeables, respond to new opportunities for growth arising from the NDIS. Our idea involved capitalising on the growing market for convention and exhibition bags, and the niche market for bespoke corporate gift hampers, but with the twist of offering business customers both personal connections and community benefits.

The project was a valuable opportunity to connect with community and offer ideas of how to make things better for those who face big challenges in life.  

Making life better - isn't this the opportunity that thoughtful design offers us all?