Prototyping with Purpose: Methodologies Used by Creativity Lab in Co-Creating Solutions

At Creativity Lab for Empowerment and Innovation, prototyping is not just a design phase; it is a deeply participatory and human-centered process that puts the voices and experiences of beneficiaries at the core of every solution. Our approach is rooted in empathy, experimentation, and inclusion, especially when working with marginalized communities in Egypt and Palestine.

1. Co-Creation Workshops

We begin with co-creation workshops, where we bring together children, youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other community members to co-design solutions to the challenges they face. These workshops are based on Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design (HCD) frameworks, enabling participants to identify genuine problems and generate innovative responses.

Example from Egypt: In our “Young Changemakers” program in rural Egypt, children and youth participated in co-creation labs to address the lack of safe play spaces. Through rapid prototyping, they developed models for modular playgrounds using recycled materials and eventually built a pilot in one of the villages.

2. Low-Fidelity Prototyping

During the early stages, we encourage the use of low-fidelity prototypes, such as those made from paper, clay, recycled materials, or digital mock-ups. This enables quick iteration and feedback, allowing participants to visualize their ideas without requiring advanced tools or technology.

Example from Palestine: As part of our inclusive education initiative in Hebron, blind and sighted children worked together to create a tactile learning game. Using cardboard and various textures, they prototyped an accessible board game to support multi-sensory learning, which was later tested and refined in collaboration with teachers.

3. Experiential Learning Cycles

We apply Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, which involves moving from experience to reflection, conceptualization, and re-testing. Prototypes are tested directly in real or simulated environments, and community members are involved in evaluating their functionality, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Example from the Gaza Strip: In a project focused on environmental awareness, students co-developed a prototype of a solar-powered irrigation system using simple components and successfully tested it in a school garden. Their reflections and redesign led to improvements in energy efficiency and water distribution.

4. Inclusive Tools and Universal Design

Creativity Lab integrates universal design principles to ensure prototypes are accessible to all, regardless of ability. This includes using Braille, voice commands, color-contrast considerations, and easy-to-understand interfaces.

Example from Alexandria, Egypt: In our partnership with Designathon, children created the “Sea Guardian” prototype—a machine to clean marine waste from the Mediterranean. The design involved a rotating filtration system and educational signage to raise awareness about ocean pollution.

5. Continuous Feedback Loops

We believe that prototyping is not a linear process. Beneficiaries are encouraged to test, receive feedback, and refine their models continually. This iterative process helps build a sense of ownership and innovation capacity within the community.

Conclusion

At Creativity Lab, prototyping is a journey of empowerment. Whether it’s developing an educational game, a clean energy solution, or a tool for social inclusion, our methodologies ensure that the final solution is not only innovative but also relevant, inclusive, and scalable. By engaging beneficiaries as creators, not just recipients, we turn ideas into impactful action—one prototype at a time.