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Community Matters, a nonprofit organization in Cincinnati, provides a variety of resources for the residents of Lower Price Hill, a neighborhood within Cincinnati. Mary Delaney, the director of the organization, spoke to us about the organization's
The current Opportunity Hub consists of one-on-one assistance between Community Matters employees and residents to connect them to resources such as job training, applications and more. Using an existing space within Community Matters, how might we
Lower Price Hill is a historic neighborhood in the west side of Cincinnati. It is surrounded by train tracks to the east, the Ohio river to the south and steep hills to the west. This geographical isolation has posed many challenges to the community
After doing initial research into the community of Lower Price Hill, we were able to identify four stakeholder groups that we would use to conduct interviews.
We developed an interview guide for each stakeholder group. Each consisted of a conversation guide, a sheet for notetaking and a form to record key takeaways. In total, we interviewed 34 people.
We analyzed the results from the interviews to identify trends and to help us develop personas.
Jinhee Na created the persona characters and icons.
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After ideating, we grouped our concepts into three categories. These three concepts served as the basis for our validation phase and co-creation workshops.
Magnets were designed for each of the concepts. These consisted of the assets included in each space. We designed a workshop agenda and magnet board to facilitate a series of co-creation workshops. These enabled our stakeholders to have an active ro
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The final design proposes a space that consists of areas for informal gathering, creation, play and work.
A play area enables parents to come into the Opportunity Hub with their children. It also gives the children a safe area to play within the neighborhood.
The art activity table consists of a hanging art wall so that residents may display their creations. A large work table offers a place for crafts, meetings and messy work.
A coffee bar and game table offer a place to meet and chat. An asset map and skills bulletin emphasize the strenghts of the community, as well as opportunities for residents to connect.
In the center of the room, a lounge area provides a welcoming space for informal gathering, meetings and conversation. Residents may take their coffee here to relax and watch their children.
To the left: computer workstations, and a copier and printer for completing work such as job applications; To the right: the view from the door before entering the Opportunity Hub
To the left: in the front, high tables for completing paper work and viewing presentations; To the right: view toward the projector, which can be used for workshops and presentations
To showcase our work, we hosted a public event in the Opportunity Hub. We displayed all of our process and gave presentations to community residents and members of Community Matters.
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