Our Design Process

The A.D.D.I.E.
Process.

At Designs For Hope, we have a unique design process that allows our team to evaluate problems based on the surrounding culture and needs — whether perceived or real.

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Why Process Matters

One Size Does Not Fit All

When resources are given without understanding of the true needs of the partner, it lacks real impact. That's why every DFH project begins with a rigorous process of listening, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating.

We also consider sustainability, leadership, and the willingness of our partners to contribute to lasting change for the sake of their church and community.

A
Analyze
Understand the true context and need
D
Design
Develop a contextually appropriate solution
D
Develop
Build deliverables to clear specifications
I
Implement
Put the plan into action in the field
E
Evaluate
Measure real and lasting impact

The Five Phases

Analyze
A
Phase One

Analyze

When resources are given without understanding of the true needs of the partner, it lacks real impact — which is why the analysis phase is crucial. Our primary task is to ask questions so we can understand the current reality and to hear the vision and mission of the local church.

Outcome
A Needs Assessment summarizing issues, goals, and objectives — including an Organizational Analysis, Physical Needs Assessment, and Spiritual Needs Assessment.
Design
D
Phase Two

Design

Engineers are experts on the Engineering Design Process — a systematic approach to innovative problem-solving. Because every country and community is different, a team will critically look at contextual applications based on environment, resources, and structures to design a solution appropriate for the end user.

Outcome
A Design Map that outlines the project(s) and their timelines of implementation — built alongside the partner.
Develop
D
Phase Three

Develop

Once a design has been finalized, defined deliverables must be developed according to the results of the Engineering Design Process. During this phase, a team will begin to find ways to produce the deliverables — to the clear specifications of the design — so that these tools can be placed in the field.

Outcome
Fully developed deliverables built to specification, with appropriate process steps defined for each component.
Implement
I
Phase Four

Implement

During this phase, all work up to this point is put into action. If the prior planning has been done well, then the implementation phase will be a success. Depending on the skill level needed, various people will be asked or contracted to accomplish the task.

Outcome
The solution is in place — and transformation should begin for the church and their community.
Evaluate
E
Phase Five

Evaluate

Sustainability of needs being met is critical to the lasting impact of each project. To know if the project(s) have solutions that meet or exceed expectations, an evaluation process is designed and implemented for each key objective. These goals are as unique as each project and partner.

Outcome
An Evaluation Report shared with all partners — assessing the impact on the local church's vision and mission, and driving growth through data and feedback.

Have a Project
That Needs This Process?

Submit a project request and our team will walk through the full A.D.D.I.E. process with you — from analysis to evaluation.

Submit a Project Request → Back to Design Get Involved