SMALL MOVES. BIG STRIDES. Exploring the transformative impact of a health ecosystem in East Baltimore PHOTO CREDIT : ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART
image of running feet
SMALL MOVES. BIG STRIDES.Exploring the transformative impact of a health ecosystem in East Baltimore
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ABOUT ME
How might we use design to improve accessibility and visibility to health and fitness amenities and resources in disinvested communities, such as East Baltimore?
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THESIS QUESTION
SOCIAL PHENOMENON Regular physical activity and access to healthy tools is a privilege in our society
THESIS QUESTION
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THESIS QUESTION
THEORY OF CHANGEIf folks in East Baltimore incorporated fitness into their regular lives overtime they would make more positive, healthy life decisions
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make a connection to reducing crime?
In lower-income neighborhoods in Baltimore, you see fewer people engaging in sports or physical activity
Last July, up to 20 recreation centers closed in Baltimore city
In East Baltimore neighborhoods there are more liquor & convenience stores than gyms or playground
Kids in Baltimore don’t have enough outdoor spaces to play
Twenty-eight percent of adults in Baltimore city are smokers
According to 2010 study for Healthy Baltimore 2015, 53% of adults in Baltimore City get recommended activity per week
EVIDENCE & RESEARCH
TARGET AUDIENCE
Level of Analysis Problem Definition
IndividualNot empowered or even aware of the tools of healthy living
MicroHealthy living is a learned behavior that is not being readily exemplified
Meso Limited access and emphasis on healthy living—surroundings don’t encourage it
MacroSocietal emphasis on “fitness” is geared toward the privileged and those already living happy and healthy lives—Lululemon culture
Adults and seniors living in East Baltimore who have an interest in engaging with the community and being fit
Create visual prompts in New Broadway East to activate green-space & engage the community
Implement Walk & Talk to get community members engaged and moving; collect data on amenities
INTERVENTION
METRICS OF SUCCESS
1. Increase in people engaged in walking for health
2. Increase in access/visibility to places/programs
3. My efforts are sustainable without me (ownership)
4. Multiplier effect leads to safer streets
BARRIERS
CULTURE
ACCESS MENTALITY
BARRIERS
CULTURE
ACCESS MENTALITY
NEXT STEPS
New Broadway East Park Walk & Talk Program
Create user personasLaunch program / Attend community meetings
Conduct focus groups Conduct participatory design sessions
Partner with community orgs Administer surveys
Aggregate & analyze precedents Collect data on healthy amenities
• Need a thesis advisor
• Need to survey those who do workout for potential insights
CHALLENGES
1. Access to the right players
2. Time (stating the obvious)
image of running feet
THANKS YA’LL