Challenging Big Cornwall to Design in The Time

As we move into the second phase of Cornwall’s Big Design Challenge, I find myself with a moment to pause and reflect on the project so far.

It's been a busy six weeks. We've been out and about in Cornwall collecting challenges from a host of individuals, community groups and organizations. There's been a great deal of activity on the website which has seen 84 challenges submitted. Perhaps more important than the challenges themselves are the 145 interesting ideas submitted, proving that people love problem solving. People are a powerful resource to harness.

It's fair to say that we've had a good response to our crowdsourcing approach. Our activities have encouraged people to think about local issues not as problems, but as challenges that can be tackled and solved. We have developed a useful platform which enables people to share ideas for change and start meaningful conversations.

Big Design Challenge Cornwall Ambient Balloons Truro

The big ambition

We now need to build on that enthusiasm and help people develop ideas that will bring tangible benefits to their community. Our plan is to bring together six community challenge teams and pair them up with design and business experts. They will work together to co-design the ideas and prepare a pitch for the Dragons Den in March 2010. For me, this is where the real challenge begins. Asking people to submit a challenge and an idea is one thing, but asking them to give up their time for the community is an altogether different ball game and requires a different approach.

Design Challenge Will Coleman

Community collaboration

As leaders of this process, it is important that Sea provide the right information and the right environment for successful collaboration. Going forward, it will be important that momentum is not lost and that individuals enjoy the co-design process. We want to take people on a journey that is useful to them personally and benefits the whole community. This is easier said than done though.

The collaborative design process relies on people organising themselves, working well as a team and having a shared end goal. These factors are exacerbated in a community situation where people lead busy lives and often find it difficult to give up their time for altruistic pursuits. As a mum of two and director of my own business I should know!

So even with the support and knowledge they receive from us, I am in no doubt that the successful group will be the one that maintains a strong belief that what they are doing can make a difference and have an impact.

For more information about the Big Design Challenge and details of how you can get involved visit www.bigdesignchallenge.co.uk