Community Action Project
Who did you support?
I was part of an interdisciplinary student team supporting the AIM Institute which is a not-for-profit based in Omaha. They work on connecting and inspiring tech talent communities to create a better future for tomorrow through career development and educational programs. Their long-term goal is to increase technology education in underserved communities, decrease the brain-drain in the Silicon Prairie, and help students learn to code. They focus on getting people excited about technology and AIM's goal is to be the catalyst of tech culture and create stronger communities.
How did you use design thinking?
We used design thinking by conducting empathy probes with members of AIM which we used to create game-changing ideas to improve the organization. The main critical issues we found within AIM included marketing, communication, and unified purpose. We used the “yes-and” thinking process by bouncing ideas off each other and to come up with ideas for our prototype. We found AIM could attract more donors by expanding into social and visual media, particularly through YouTube. Our design thinking process led us to the game-changing idea of a video marketing campaign.
What I’ve gained from this project
This project allowed me to develop my leadership skills. I am becoming a much better planner and increasing my organization skills. Our team conducted weekly Sunday meetings where I helped by keeping our meetings focused and on track.
I've learned that teams work best when personal strengths are utilized.
Further information
Our team is currently developing a paper detailing our efforts in helping the AIM Institue that will be uploaded to my portfolio on its completion. I also grew my social and emotional competencies. My relationship skills increased with my interviewing of strangers at AIM and developing relationships with the employees of that organization.
2021 Update
Our strategy with AIM has had to adapt, as the whole world has, to deal with COVID. This year we are focusing on more digital options, that can be worked on and presented remotely. AIM puts on the Heartland Developer's Conference every year and we are shifting
I was part of an interdisciplinary student team supporting the AIM Institute which is a not-for-profit based in Omaha. They work on connecting and inspiring tech talent communities to create a better future for tomorrow through career development and educational programs. Their long-term goal is to increase technology education in underserved communities, decrease the brain-drain in the Silicon Prairie, and help students learn to code. They focus on getting people excited about technology and AIM's goal is to be the catalyst of tech culture and create stronger communities.
How did you use design thinking?
We used design thinking by conducting empathy probes with members of AIM which we used to create game-changing ideas to improve the organization. The main critical issues we found within AIM included marketing, communication, and unified purpose. We used the “yes-and” thinking process by bouncing ideas off each other and to come up with ideas for our prototype. We found AIM could attract more donors by expanding into social and visual media, particularly through YouTube. Our design thinking process led us to the game-changing idea of a video marketing campaign.
What I’ve gained from this project
This project allowed me to develop my leadership skills. I am becoming a much better planner and increasing my organization skills. Our team conducted weekly Sunday meetings where I helped by keeping our meetings focused and on track.
I've learned that teams work best when personal strengths are utilized.
Further information
Our team is currently developing a paper detailing our efforts in helping the AIM Institue that will be uploaded to my portfolio on its completion. I also grew my social and emotional competencies. My relationship skills increased with my interviewing of strangers at AIM and developing relationships with the employees of that organization.
2021 Update
Our strategy with AIM has had to adapt, as the whole world has, to deal with COVID. This year we are focusing on more digital options, that can be worked on and presented remotely. AIM puts on the Heartland Developer's Conference every year and we are shifting
Members of our team at AIM Institute presenting our ideas to their team.