Design to Redistribute Power
Our Story
COACT was never formed to be a traditional non-profit. Even more evident in the unique circumstances we had to navigate after our inception in 2020; a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and a multitude of local tragedies just to name a few. We had to take some incredible shifts to accomplish our work and an even deeper to explore how design would create impact within the rapid changes happening before our eyes. Observing a widening gap between the communities most impacted by disparities and the organizations tasked with providing solutions, COACT was formed as a non-profit social impact studio.
Through the lens of design, we instill in our organization with the capacity to respond to each challenge with intention and create solutions that align to the unique and individual needs of the communities we aim to serve. Our approach centers on creating spaces for turning thoughtful listening, aligned to real needs and into meaningful responses to address systemic barriers. In a world eager for quick fixes, we acknowledge that the best solutions are built with community, not apart from it.
COACT doesn’t assume. It asks. It doesn’t prescribe. It partners. It doesn’t simplify. It reframes.
Our Mission
Together, with community, we design responses to address today's most pressing social challenges.
Our Vision
Together, we can build a just and inclusive future for all communities.
Our Values
Design with Intention: We build a firm understanding towards the problems we aim to solve and those most impacted so, we can design better solutions.
Build with Community: We create spaces for community to not only participate on their own terms, but to lead it.
Create with Purpose: We strive to create lasting impact. that serves well beyond our engagement.
How We Work
We recognize the role design plays in influencing how services are delivered, how messages are communicated, how interventions are perceived, and how solutions are utilized. Design is not just about aesthetics, it's about creating equitable processes to break down complex problems, craft solutions that meet people where they are at, and improve the outcomes for the populations we aim to serve.
From projects, multi-year programs, or policy reform, COACT partners to create lasting solutions alongside the communities most impacted through social disparities. Through our work we utilize design as a problem-solving process to turn insights and ideas into lasting impact.
Design through COACT
COACT utilizes a design framework to create the environments where we can Learn, Build, and Transform with community. Though the process may not always be linear, we remain curious as insights emerge to revisit subjects, build on the lessons learned, and make the shifts needed to achieve our desired outcomes.
Exploration: The exploration phase is about understanding the challenge, the people it impacts, the way it impacts people, and the contributing factors. During this phase, we help our partners create a clear definition of the challenge they aim to solve.
Discovery: The discovery phase about turning insights into ideas. It is an opportunity to reflect on the research, generate ideas, and hone our approach. During this phase we help our partners discover bold ideas, test tangible concepts, and tether alignments to the challenges we aim to solve.
Deployment: The deployment phase about turning bold ideas into action. During this phase we help our partners assess risk, define success, operationalize impact, and launch thoughtful solutions.
