Design Thinking and Strategic Philanthropy Case Study (August 2015)

Using human centered design for a greater philanthropic impact.

This is a case study of how human centered design (HCD), also called design thinking, can be integrated with strategic planning to help philanthropists achieve greater impact. HCD, initially developed in the context of consumer products and services, is in the early stages of being applied to improve social interventions by governments, nonprofit organizations, and foundations. We believe that HCD can be combined with traditional strategic planning methods to help philanthropists and foundations develop strategies that are based on sound evidence, and informed by the needs of their intended beneficiaries.