More about Design Labs

At mindyourmind, we believe that involving youth in the innovation and development of resources leads to better mental health outcomes for young people and communities. It also recognizes that youth bring expertise to the table that professionals need, and that is crucial to creating solutions that are relevant and helpful.

To engage youth meaningfully, we utilize an approach to development rooted in design thinking and social innovation frameworks. Our co-creation process, which we refer to as a Design Lab, is an intensive and iterative process where ideas are generated collaboratively by the group. Youth come together to talk about mental health and related topics or issues they are passionate about and ultimately collaborate on developing a resource or tool that could help address an agreed-upon topic.

Design Labs take place over an intensive brainstorming weekend or series of virtual meetings where young people work directly with facilitators, content experts, and designers to brainstorm and develop the projects. Youth have an opportunity to participate in creative and art-based activities, work in small groups that rotate to evolve and work out ideas, and use a consensus approach to decision-making. Youth are involved in everything we do every step of the way, and we work with them until we get it right. 

Our key objectives are:

• Connect youth to accessible, relevant and interactive wellness resources and support.
• Deepen understanding of the expectations and preferences that youth have and apply that information in developing processes and outputs.
• Enable professionals with new and innovative tools to enhance their capacity to engage youth on topics of well-being and mental health in ways that are both meaningful and sustained.

Working in Partnership to Lead a Design Lab:

We believe in the power of collective impact. We routinely partner with community agencies, educational organizations, tech companies, the healthcare sector, and other youth-serving professionals to create resources that truly resonate with youth.

Our experienced team collaborates with youth throughout the entire process—leading workshops, conducting research, and prototyping to ensure that the final product reflects the needs of the youth, your organization and the community. We are dedicated to bringing the youth’s ideas to life with the help of our talented graphic designer, ensuring that the outcome is both functional and visually appealing.

We will work closely with your team, making necessary adjustments based on your feedback to create a product everyone can be proud of. All tools and resources developed in our Design Labs are co-owned and showcase both organization’s logos. Additionally, we will assist with dissemination efforts to maximize the reach and impact of the tools we create together.

By partnering in our Design Lab, you are not just developing a resource; you are empowering youth, driving system change, and strengthening communities. If you are interested in learning more or would like to host a Design Lab, please email us at mindyourmindinfo@connexontario.ca.

See our past Design Labs.