Ronald McDonald House Makerspace Project 2023

About the Client
Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill understands that when a child is sick, families require more than just medical care; they need a nurturing environment filled with compassion and support. This is why their mission is to enhance the well-being of children and their families by providing a comforting haven of love, connection, and community, just steps away from the child's hospital room.

The Challenge
Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill wants to provide children ages 5-10 with engaging, hands-on learning experiences while accommodating the unique needs of families facing medical hardships. This required creating a safe, low-maintenance, and versatile environment that could foster creativity and play, offering a therapeutic outlet during their challenging times.

The Process
Stakeholder Engagement
To create a user-centered makerspace, I started by engaging with stakeholders through in-person meetings, interviews, and surveys. This allowed me to gather essential data about their needs, goals, and operational challenges. These insights helped define the direction of the project, ensuring that it aligned with both user expectations and the organization’s objectives.

Defining the Challenge
After gathering the necessary information, I facilitated brainstorming sessions with the project team to analyze and define the core challenges. We worked closely with staff from the client organization, integrating them into three committees to ensure their input was reflected throughout the process. This collaborative approach allowed us to clearly identify expectations and refine our problem-solving approach.

Ideation and Prototyping
Using Design Thinking tools, we entered the ideation phase, where we developed solutions focused on low-maintenance equipment and sustainable design. Prototypes and themes were iterated upon with feedback from the client, balancing practicality and innovation. This approach ensured that the makerspace would be functional, efficient, and tailored to the user experience.

Implementation and Launch
Once the designs were finalized, we placed orders for equipment, coordinated deliveries, and installed the tools. Testing the equipment with the client’s team ensured effectiveness, and their involvement reinforced shared ownership. This collaborative installation process led to the successful launch of the makerspace, designed to meet the specific needs of its users.

Key Takeaway
A key takeaway from this project was the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement and collaboration throughout the Design Thinking process. By involving users in every phase, we ensured that the final solution was not only innovative but also practical, sustainable, and aligned with real-world needs.