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Find Your Summit – From theory to practice: How DC used participatory design to improve their housing voucher program
A lot of us have read the textbook on participatory design. But what does it look like to put theory into practice? In 2023, the DC government tried it out in their housing voucher program. They hired five residents—voucher clients—to shape a research plan, co-lead research activities, develop solutions, and prioritize next steps for District leaders. This session is a candid conversation with members of The Lab @ DC (a DC government agency) and the resident researchers hired to co-lead the work. The Lab will discuss the mechanics of hiring, training, and organizing for this process—both what worked and what they’d do differently next time. Resident researchers will share their experience presenting to District leaders and share practical tips on how to take care of yourself when work can be re-traumatizing. Attendees will walk away with guidance on how to put participatory design principles into practice and replicate this model in their jurisdictions.