“What truly sets Bandana apart is her exceptional ability to work through ambiguity. She navigates complexities with finesse, bringing attention to important tensions from an equity standpoint. This skill is particularly crucial in our projects, contributing to a more comprehensive and inclusive decision-making process.

It has not only enhanced our project outcomes but also deepened our understanding of the needs of our end users, leading to actionable and clear recommendations. For those seeking a partner with excellent facilitation skills, thoughtful research design, and a keen awareness of equity considerations, I wholeheartedly recommend working with Bandana.” Amanda Di Dio, VP Partnerships, Substantial

Project 1: Multistakeholder Design Sprint in the US (under NDA)

Methods & Approaches

Working with a large US based non-profits to design strategy for a 5 day, in-person design sprint focused on educational solutions.

  • This was a 3-month timeline from onboarding to completion with incredibly tight, extremely sensitive research and intellectual property parameters and included significant development of design activities:

    • Designing multi-day experience, objectives and outcomes.

    • Working with many collaborator group types to advise on equity-centered design practices while developing concepts and products. 

    • Advising on approaches to in-person focus groups and workshop design.

    • Ensuring that different participant types were able to understand one another’s experiences.

    • Facilitating in-person throughout the 5 day sprint.

Project 2: Lead Design Research (under NDA)

Methods & Approaches

Leading design research through the discovery phase for a collective of funders/investors, all based in the US. This project sought to develop a tool or service to help this collective more effectively serve their large overlapping communities and audiences.  

  • My approach ensured a strong focus on centering the voices of users and co-designing with users across all five funders.

  • Equity and inclusive design principles and practices were embedded throughout the discovery research phase.

  • Extensive synthesis was required including journey mapping and supporting visual/product designers in drafting mockups.

  • The design research surfaced new insights that both supported the collective’s work, and also challenged standing beliefs. 

    • Insights provided clear strategic direction helping the collective move from an ambiguous problem area to identifying a clear opportunity area where they can jointly produce innovative offerings for their shared audiences.

  • Research led to next phase iteration/product development.