Human-Centred Design Lab
The Human-Centred Design Lab is an agency within the Algonquin College Office of Applied Research focused on design research and strategy. The lab engages students from various programs across the college to work on publicly and privately funded industry projects. Working under the purview of the Research and Ethics Board and in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we situate evidence-based product and service design within complex environmental, social and economic systems.
The lab partners with Canadian and international businesses, governments and not-for-profit organizations focused on sustainable, human-centred innovation. The lab conducts interdisciplinary, mixed-methods research, leveraging both qualitative and quantitative data collected from surveys, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Findings position stakeholder needs, motivations and behaviors within complex socioeconomic systems and define evidence-based design strategies that address industry partner objectives. The lab audits new and existing products, services and systems against inclusive design frameworks as defined by the Accessible Canada Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. In summary, key activities of the lab include: