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SMALL MOVES. BIG STRIDES.Exploring the transformative impact of a health ecosystem in East Baltimore

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ABOUT ME

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

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THESIS QUESTION

SOCIAL PHENOMENON Regular physical activity and access to healthy tools is a privilege in our society

THESIS QUESTION

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THESIS QUESTION

THEORY OF CHANGEIf folks in East Baltimore incorporated fitness into their regular lives overtime they would make more positive, healthy life decisions

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make a connection to reducing crime?

In lower-income neighborhoods in Baltimore, you see fewer people engaging in sports or physical activity

Last July, up to 20 recreation centers closed in Baltimore city

In East Baltimore neighborhoods there are more liquor & convenience stores than gyms or playground

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

EVIDENCE & RESEARCH

TARGET AUDIENCE

Level of Analysis Problem Definition

IndividualNot empowered or even aware of the tools of healthy living

MicroHealthy living is a learned behavior that is not being readily exemplified

Meso Limited access and emphasis on healthy living—surroundings don’t encourage it

MacroSocietal 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

Create visual prompts in New Broadway East to activate green-space & engage the community

Implement Walk & Talk to get community members engaged and moving; collect data on amenities

INTERVENTION

METRICS OF SUCCESS

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

BARRIERS

CULTURE

ACCESS MENTALITY

BARRIERS

CULTURE

ACCESS MENTALITY

NEXT STEPS

New Broadway East Park Walk & Talk Program

Create user personasLaunch 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

CHALLENGES

1. Access to the right players

2. Time (stating the obvious)

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THANKS YA’LL