HCDExchange is a Knowledge Hub dedicated to exploring how human-centered design (HCD) can improve sexual and reproductive health needs and rights for youth and adolescents. This is a growing area in global health programming, with interest from funders and practitioners alike on how design thinking can support better programs and services. Since 2020, we have convened a global community of practice that drives, shares and increases learning to help shape this field, in low-resource settings.

We support partners and practitioners at all levels to learn how to use HCD approaches to help improve practice in low-resource settings. Read our Theory of Change (ToC) to gain a deeper understanding about our contribution to strengthening the HCD+AYSRH knowledge systems and outcomes.

Our Approach

Connect

We connect individuals and organizations to resources, opportunities, potential partners and learning events

Explore

We explore, collaborate and spark conversations on how HCD approaches can improve AYSRH outcomes

Learn

We actively curate, create and share knowledge to inform best practice and shape the latest developments in this field

Our History

The HCDExchange concept emerged when the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funded a convening of individuals and organizations working at the intersection of human-centered design and adolescent sexual reproductive health (HCD+ASRH) in 2018 in Tanzania.

The convening focused on insights emerging from the first large-scale HCD+ASRH projects: Adolescents 360’s Kuwa Mjanja, Tanzania, Smart Start, Ethiopia and 9ja Girls, Nigeria; Beyond Bias in Pakistan, Tanzania and Burkina Faso; Diva Centres in Zambia and Choice 4 Change and Future Fab in Kenya.

Participants identified four thematic areas to explore further, guided by the overarching question: how might we create the right focus, mechanisms and culture for shared learning in this space? In November 2019, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) and inSupply Health were awarded a grant to develop a diverse, dynamic and inclusive Community of Practice focused on HCD+ASRH. These became our institutional homes.

Learn More about HCDExchange

 We have evolved to become the first global learning platform for HCD+AYSRH, with a large, diverse and engaged community of members and partner organizations. Read our HCD Exchange Convening Report detailing more on our formation.