Design-Led Social Innovation in Human Trafficking

Abstract

Operation Compass is an ongoing ethnographic research study, and this paper is focused on phase two: integrating a social impact framework into the foundation of Operation Compass to develop design interventions for the complex social justice issue of human trafficking. In order to develop the parameters of a foundational framework, we need to (1) develop an understanding of the ethos of the existing social system among the service providers in the fight against human trafficking, (2) define key factors from existing frameworks that could potentially apply to Operation Compass, and (3) define necessary collaborations of formal and informal partners. Established organizations have provided a structure to the nature of wicked problems related to human trafficking, thus providing a space for Operation Compass to develop an understanding of the ethos of entities involved in the fight against human trafficking. The partnerships we have, both formal and informal, have been an integral aspect of our work and have afforded us the opportunity to expand upon the limitations of the first phase. This understanding has benefited our collaborations and partners and will be implemented into the foundational framework of Operation Compass. The ability to convey to social service agencies the value of design interventions has been a social impact process—not only because of the topic of focus but also, more importantly, due to the nature of our collaborations and partnerships.