My thesis work in progress.

1. 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

2. ABOUT ME

3. ?
How might we use design to improve
accessibility and visibility to health
and fitness amenities and resources
in disinvested communities, such as
East Baltimore?
THESIS QUESTION

4. ?
SOCIAL PHENOMENON
Regular physical activity and access to
healthy tools is a privilege in our society
THESIS QUESTION

5. ?
THEORY OF CHANGE
If folks in East Baltimore incorporated fitness
into their regular lives overtime they would
make more positive, healthy life decisions
make a connection
to reducing crime?
THESIS QUESTION

6. In lower-income neighborhoods in
Baltimore, you see fewer people
engaging in sports or physical activity
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
In East Baltimore neighborhoods there
are more liquor & convenience stores
than gyms or playground
Last July, up to 20 recreation
centers closed in Baltimore city
EVIDENCE & RESEARCH

7. Level of Analysis
Problem Definition
Individual
Not empowered or even aware of the tools of
healthy living
Micro
Healthy living is a learned behavior that is not
being readily exemplified
Meso
Limited access and emphasis on healthy living—
surroundings don’t encourage it
Macro
Societal 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
TARGET AUDIENCE

8. Create visual prompts in New
Broadway East to activate greenspace & engage the community
Implement Walk & Talk to get
community members engaged and
moving; collect data on amenities
INTERVENTION

9. 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
METRICS OF SUCCESS

10. CULTURE
ACCESS
MENTALITY
BARRIERS

11. CULTURE
ACCESS
MENTALITY
BARRIERS

12. New Broadway East Park
Walk & Talk Program
Create user personas
Launch 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
NEXT STEPS

13. 1. Access to the right players
2. Time (stating the obvious)
CHALLENGES

14. image of running feet
THANKS YA’LL