A human-centred research project examining how faculty and staff engage with OCAD University’s Sustainability Community of Practice and digital hub. Findings informed recommendations for strengthening knowledge sharing, community participation, and the long-term evolution of the platform as a collaborative institutional resource.
Design research ◦ Human-centred design ◦ Strategic design
Methods: Semi-structured interviews ◦ Thematic analysis ◦ Archetype development ◦ Recommendations synthesis
Client: OCAD University Sustainability Hub
How might we enhance engagement and effectiveness of OCADU’s Sustainability Hub?
Overview
Developed for OCAD University’s Sustainability Community of Practice (CoP), this project explored how the Sustainability Hub could better support collaboration, resource sharing, and engagement across the university. While the CoP brought together faculty, staff, and students interested in sustainability, maintaining active participation and improving the visibility of sustainability initiatives remained ongoing challenges.
Using a human-centred research approach, I conducted in-depth interviews, analyzed participant perspectives, and developed member archetypes to better understand the diverse needs, motivations, and engagement styles within the community. These insights informed recommendations for the structure, content, and future development of the Sustainability Hub.
Process

Outcomes
- Research report
- Presentation to the Sustainability Community of Practice
- Member archetypes (personas)
- Recommendations for the Sustainability Hub

