Our Work
Making a difference one project at a time
What We Work On
Below is a summary of our work. If you would like to get involved in our current projects please contact us. Our contributions span the range from leadership to support to connection. We often have many opportunities to be involved in the many initiatives we are working on for organizations, partners, and community members.
Building a More Inclusive Future in Mayerthorpe
On November 27th, the Social Impact Lab Alberta hosted a Community Champions workshop in Mayerthorpe, beginning the Mayerthorpe Design Lab. The session focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive community through creative activities and collaborative discussions. Community members explored strengths, challenges, and actionable steps to build a stronger, more connected future. Stay tuned for updates as we continue this journey of co-design and innovation in Mayerthorpe.
Ready to Launch: The Athabasca Design Lab Tests a Digital Prototype
In Athabasca, we tested the latest version of our Athabasca Design Lab “kiosk” at the public library. This digital tool aims to connect the community with vital information on services, events, and places to stay and eat, addressing urgent needs like emergency housing and mental health support. Through real-world testing, we gathered valuable insights on accessibility and usability from local residents, ensuring the kiosk reflects the needs and spirit of Athabasca. Read about the success of the testing session and how this innovative tool is evolving to better serve the community
Welcome Melissa Skowron, Our New Project Designer
Melissa Skowron, a Project Designer at the Social Impact Lab Alberta, blends her fine arts background with expertise in tech, healthcare, and event industries. She focuses on community resilience, creating inclusive solutions through creative problem-solving and human-centered design.
Pay What You Want Market
For the last couple of years, The SIL has been working on an initiative that is aimed at increasing food security in Calgary. As a part of this initiative, we are hosting a pop-up pay what you want market, that gives people the freedom to meet their household needs and stay within their budget.
Steps to Support Online Tool
The Steps to Support website is an online interactive experience that raises awareness and supports readiness for the natural support role. The tool equips individuals with the language of support, builds competencies and confidence, reduces fear around mental health conversations, and removes the stigma associated with mental health concerns. The gap this website will address is ‘I want to help, but I don’t know how.’ – the fear and lack of skills when approaching a mental health conversation.
Disrupt-ATHON
Once a year, we bring together social innovation-minded workplace teams to re-think and design solutions for how we can solve complex, social issues in our communities. We take an entrepreneurial approach that focuses on understanding the need through conversations with experts and those affected by the problem. Then, using the design thinking process, groups develop ideas that can become solutions to positively impact the community and beyond.
Natural Supports Simulation
The Mental Health Natural Supports Simulation is an online interactive experience that raises awareness for the natural support role by building skills and confidence. As a result, we can help children and youth access supports, increase overall community well-being and create a network of caring citizens.
Immersive Technology, Jack’s Story
Through technology, we explore methods to experiment in citizen engagement, empathy building, and giving. Featured in the Unity for Humanity Summit 2020. Jack’s Story, a virtual reality experience was developed to address social problems. By immersing the audience in Jack’s life and imagination, we explore unemployment, social isolation, mental health issues, and lack of basic needs, including the actions we all can take to help.
