DAC METHODOLOGY
DAC's Double Diamond Framework
DAC’s design process is visualised in the Double Diamond framework below, an iterative 4 stage process that cycles through phases of exploration and synthesis. The Double Diamond framework is a visualisation of the design process first created by the Design Council (2004). This framework is widely disseminated in academia and by many design outfits.
Stage 1: Co-Discover (Exploration)
This research stage aimed to understand peoples' opinions and experiences with cell furniture, how it is used, misused and abused, and what is state-of-the-art. A variety of research methods and tools were used: literature review, interviews with prisoners, staff and ex-offenders, guided tours of prisons and prison industries, insight sessions at HMP Standford Hill, and other immersive practice-based methods.
Stage 2: Co-Define (Synthesis)
In this stage we synthesise the research and observations into key insights and other design tools that help contextualise, reframe and highlight the main challenges and issues. Stage 2 activities included the co-design workshops at HMP Standford Hill with prisoners and staff, where as a cohort, we created prisoners personas and co-defined a set of cell furniture design objectives.
Stage 3: Co-Develop (Exploration)
In this ideation stage, we came up with cell furniture ideas, concepts and prototypes with prisoners and staff. Stage 3 activities included the co-design workshops at HMP Standford Hill, in addition to the subsequent months of design development with prison industry experts and others specialising in manufacturing and materials.
Stage 4: Co-Deliver (Synthesis)
This final stage focuses on refining the cell furniture proposals and evaluating the designs with full-scale prototypes and testing to HMP standards.
DAC's Double Diamond Framework
The Cell Furniture Project's Double Diamond Visualisation
