The program facilitators will hold in-person orientation sessions at the start of the program. They will introduce the initiative and the Google Site, covering procedures, the schedule, get-to-know-you activities, diagnostic assessments (such as participant surveys), and an initial digital activity: posting individual greetings and bios for others to read.

This initiative was designed to be in a hybrid space, working together in person to create digital artifacts. Ideally, participants will come from existing groups (schools, youth membership groups; care facilities, library programs, established social groups) and will create a schedule that fits both groups in person. The materials will be accessible online via the Google Site, but participants and facilitators should expect the bulk of the work to be done during the shared time in the maker-space.

The facilitators will schedule at least five meetings to help all participants complete the following tasks, modeled after the BC ADST curriculum Design Thinking Model. Facilitators are encouraged to incorporate numerous ways of formative assessments such as exit slips, prototype feedback, journaling/reflections, and peer feedback, throughout each stage.

Ideation

Through guided discussions and brainstorming sessions led by facilitators, participants will share their personal experiences, interests, and skills, to identify a meaningful challenge, opportunity, or story that their collaborative project will focus on. The goal of this phase is to generate ideas while considering constraints such as resources, time, and abilities.

Prototyping

Participants begin developing an initial prototype of their project. This may include creating storyboards, sketches, or mock-ups and experimenting with different tools or media. This phase emphasizes exploration and transforming ideas into tangible results. Facilitators will provide digital resources as needed and regularly check in to monitor progress.

Because this stage often demands extensive hands-on effort, additional meetings are recommended.

Testing

Participants share in-progress prototypes with peers, community members, or facilitators to assess usability, relevance, and clarity. This may involve informal presentations, peer review, or functional testing, depending on the project’s format. The aim is for participants to see how others interpret and interact with their work and to identify areas for improvement. Participants gather constructive feedback and turn it into actionable next steps.

Making

Participants incorporate feedback to update and improve their projects. They enhance narrative flow, technical quality, and cultural accuracy, making sure they stay true to their original goals. Facilitators assist pairs in refining details, polishing components, and preparing final deliverables for sharing with the wider community.

Additional meetings are suggested to aid in revision, polishing, and completion.

The final task will be to share collaborative projects as a final program wrap-up and celebration. The creative artifacts will be posted on the Google Site indefinitely. Depending on individual projects and the desires of their creators, they could also potentially be shared on other social media sites (i.e. TikTok, Youtube).

The final program wrap-up and celebration will take place during the last group meeting. Depending on the group’s preferences, and appropriateness, it could include guests as well as participants. The event will feature an informal and conversational gallery walk between partner stations and/or a project presentation to the audience. This showcase will provide opportunities to highlight project achievements, share testimonials, gather feedback, and discuss future GenExchange offerings. Phase 3 will include summative feedback, including the final artifact creation, the presentation or showcase, and a final reflection. Facilitators are encouraged to incorporate elements of popular voting on a range of fun criteria and prizes.