Combining data and co-design to engage and understand culturally diverse communities

Leading this collaborative project for innovate change, I began by reviewing existing data and literature, and collectively mapping the system and stakeholders. We also recruited, trained and supported people from Samoan and Indian communities in Auckland to conduct and analyse user interviews. 

We synthesised all data into insights for a co-design group, who guided the strategic direction and focus of the project. The co-design group was made up of a diverse mix of community members and professionals from stakeholder organisations.

We then tested prototypes with people from the priority communities and key stakeholders, as we designed a new model and implementation plan for community sport in Auckland.

Building the capability of the sports sector to design with diverse communities

The project built a stronger understanding of growing cultural communities in Auckland, and identified opportunities to increase participation in sports and recreation. Through this work, the sports and recreation sector learned new, effective and respectful ways to engage communities and understand their customers.

Key outcomes included:

• Stakeholders gained a stronger understanding of priority cultural groups for the sports and community sectors in New Zealand, particularly around their recreation needs and interests, media use and communications preferences.

• Sports and recreation sector learned new, effective and respectful ways to engage communities and understand their customers.

• Community participants were motivated to increase their own and their community’s physical activity.