Research
Action
Design
Our approach to projects involves three basic steps:
1. Design involves an interdisciplinary and participatory process
2. Action involves community-driven project implementation
3. Research involves long-term impact assessments
Design
Our participatory design process involves a diverse range of community members from the start. We work with them to identify project priorities, develop and refine design ideas and plan for project implementation. Throughout the process, community members take ownership of the project, helping to ensure its long-term success.
Research is critical to understanding the multi-faceted challenges our community partners face and the impact of our projects. Our research initiatives serve as means of evaluating our work and as catalysts for future opportunities - effectively closing the project cycle. The knowledge we gain helps us determine whether a project is performing as expected and provides lessons we can share and apply to subsequent projects.
Action
Action is where we get most excited! Building upon our participatory design process, we work with community members to organize capacity building workshops and undertake project construction. During most projects, Traction provides resources to purchase materials, rent equipment and hire skilled craftspeople. Community members provide their own expertise, labor and other resources, and take responsibility for long term project maintenance.
Research
