Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Working With the LAB
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No. The LAB at OPM applies human-centered design to a wide variety of complex public sector and cross-sector problems. Learn more about our work and the problems we’ve helped re-think.
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No. The LAB at OPM has the ability to work on unique challenges with all federal agencies in addition to public, private and cross-sector collaboration at the State, local and international levels. Work outside of OPM is done on a cost-recovery basis through inter-agency agreements. Please get in touch if you are interested in collaborating.
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The LAB at OPM regularly partners with other Federal agencies, as well as state and local organizations. We build integrated design teams of expert designers from the LAB with subject matter experts from the partnering agency. The LAB leads the integrated team through the application and implementation of the design process. Contact us if you’re interested in collaborating on a project.
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I would like to introduce human-centered design and other innovation-based methods to my program. Where should I start? View more
We recommend attending the LAB’s three-day Human-Centered Design Fundamentals Workshop to learn more about design as an innovative problem solving process. If you already have an understanding about how design could help your team, please get in touch to talk about how best to integrate human-centered design and other innovation methods at your agency.
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I would like to start an Innovation Lab in my organization. Can your Lab help? What is human-centered design? View more
Human-centered design is a creative and strategic approach to solving challenging problems. It blends together design, strategy, qualitative research and entrepreneurial thinking. This method puts people at the center of the process, taking into account their complex behaviors, mental models and needs. By using this approach to problem solving, we identify and address the root causes of problems, rather than the symptoms. The discipline of human-centered design quickly generates ideas and tests new ideas that meet the true needs of the people with whom we’re designing. As a result, we create and implement impactful and sustainable solutions.
Teaching and Training
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Yes. In addition to our workshops that are taught every month, we are able to offer workshops and customized trainings for Federal agencies.
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As of August 2015, more than 600 individuals from more than 30 federal agencies have been trained in the Human-Centered Design Fundamentals Workshop through the LAB at OPM.
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The LAB at OPM offers an intro to human-centered design course at a cost of $1,200 for three days. Our workshop fee is designed to encourage broad participation to reach as many public sector employee innovators as possible with the promise of design! Contact us if you’d like to attend an upcoming class.
The LAB also develops custom training and partnerships for agencies, with costs varying on the scope, duration, and requirements. Let us know if you’re interested in a custom training.
Staffing and Structure
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In the spirit of innovation, the unique staffing structure of the LAB at OPM is based on a core of career Federal employees as well as a rotating team of design Fellows who work with the Lab for a short period to infuse fresh thinking and current best practices from outside government. These experts include the Lab’s Director, and our Design Fellows who represent a range of design expertise from non-governmental organizations. Federal employees who take our Fundamentals of Design workshop can explore joining the Lab on temporary details from their home agencies, giving them more immersive experience in the work of managing human centered design projects and educational programs.
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The LAB is always looking for creative thinkers who are interested in making an impact in government. If you are interested in learning more, please contact innovation@opm.gov. If you are a government employee we also have developmental detail opportunities. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Arianne Miller, Deputy Director of the LAB.
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How much expertise in design does one need to work with or participate in a fellowship program with the LAB? View more
The LAB team represents the full spectrum of experience with design – from experts with many years of experience to individuals much earlier in their learning journey.
History
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The LAB at OPM opened its physical space in early 2012 as a practical expression of the Innovation in Government initiative under OPM Director John Berry and his executive staff. Working with a small group of OPM and other government champions, and collaborating with private sector design schools and organizations for its first two years, the LAB hired its first Director in 2013. The LAB has been enthusiastically supported by each ensuing OPM Director and by leadership in many federal agencies with whom we partner.