Inspiring innovation with IDEA 2003 (Irish Development Education Association)

May 17

In 2023, I collaborated with IDEA and their members to design and deliver their first Innovation Lab and accompanying Innovation Series. Focused on promoting design thinking and creative approaches in the education sector, the project aimed to inspire new ways of working and support IDEA’s mission of achieving a just, equal, and sustainable future.

“It is a rarity and a pleasure to work with someone who puts so much effort and time into understanding the wider context of our work in order to perfectly tailor our collaboration to our needs and expectations. The easy, clear and efficient communication we got during our work together is reflected in the quality of the outcome and positive feedback of participants.” – Anya Sparynska, IDEA

The project involved co-designing and facilitating both in-person and online workshops, including a session at IDEA’s Annual Conference titled Innovating for a Better World, which encouraged participants to challenge norms, reimagine their projects, and think outside the box.

A key element was a 2-part interactive training (in person for one day and a follow up online session) introducing participants to innovation concepts and practical design thinking tools to identify creative strengths and apply them in their work. Exercises and activities were designed to foster reframing, problem-solving, and collaborative idea development.

Methods and tools used to promote innovation and design thinking included:

Visual thinking and mapping tools (empathy mapping, Know-Feel-Do framework)
Problem analysis frameworks (Cause & Effect, Agreement & Certainty)
Ideation and prioritization techniques (Crazy8, collaborative prioritization)
Team convening strategies for solutions-focused collaboration
Reflection and improvement tools (Stop, Start, Continue model)

The series successfully equipped participants with practical skills and a mindset for innovation. Feedback highlighted increased confidence, creativity, and enthusiasm for applying new methods in their projects. Workshops fostered collaboration and peer learning, building a network of empowered, change-oriented practitioners.

What the members said:

Lovely facilitation felt very collaborative and informative.
Thank you so much really enjoyed it. Great to learn new tools. I’d like to know more about using these visual tools with participants.
Great workshop thank you! Excited to use the tools in my work some more movement around the room might help lift energy after lunch.
Fantastic well done.
Becky and Stephanie thank you very much for such a wonderful useful workshop, it was the most delightful way to spend my birthday.
Thank you! It was a very enjoyable day we approach the tools in ‘innovative ways’
I felt quite nervous before this workshop and fearful I was not creative enough! But you both introduced us to the work so well and eased us in. It was a very comfortable space, I really do feel equipped and confident to be more creative and innovative thanks for this amazing workshop :-)
I feel confident to draw something now I will illustrate more on my practice from now on.
Thank you for a very stimulating, educational and inspiring workshop well done looking forward to the 9th.
I feel really energised after this workshop. Thank you for such thought-provoking and engaging discussions you facilitated today, look forward to the next one - cheers.
Thank you for the workshop it was very useful and will for sure use all the tools in the future.
Looking forward to using the tools for my ideas to grow.