Societal Challenges about to Receive Unexpected Solutions
On September 12th, four societal challenges were presented at Openlab. These are the challenges that Openlab’s master’s students will work on during the semester, on behalf of SLSO, Farsta District Administration, and the Guardianship Administration.
Expect the Unexpected
This autumn and winter, Openlab’s master’s students will delve deeply into the challenges and develop potential solutions using the design thinking process. During the presentation of the challenges, the course coaches reminded us that the process will most likely not lead to the solution that the challenge providers expect. Students are encouraged to aim towards “game changing” user-centered ideas, so the challenge providers should be prepared for some unexpected and innovative concepts, said coach Sofia Vikström.
Four Complex Societal Challenges
Reaching Young People and Families in Need of Support
Famnen, Farsta Sfd, City of Stockholm
The first challenge presented comes from Famnen (transl. The Embrace), a preventive unit within the Individual and Family Services of the City District Department of Farsta. Famnen offers support to children and young people, for instance in. risk of psychosocial problems, criminality etc., and their parents. The challenge is about reaching and building trust with their target groups, especially individuals/families who need support from social services but are reluctant or afraid to make contact. The challenge also relates to the transition to the new Social Services Act.
Physical Health of People with Psychiatric Diagnoses
OCD Program, SLSO, Region Stockholm
The OCD Program, Psychiatry Southwest, SLSO, Region Stockholm, presented their challenge: “How can we, through simple and accessible means, help psychiatric patients achieve equal and improved physical health?”
There are connections between psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, and various types of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, which are not always detected by healthcare providers. Patients seeking digital healthcare without contact with a primary care center or prior testing may have nutrient deficiencies that go unnoticed, exacerbating their symptoms.
The Future of Elderly Care
Department of Elderly Care, City District Department of Farsta, City of Stockholm
The Farsta City District Department also presented a challenge from the elderly care department, which focuses on meeting the need for quality elderly care for current and future seniors in a changing society where more people are aging. The challenge is: How can we develop effective ways to communicate with the new generation of seniors about their future elderly care needs?
Recruitment of Trustees
Public Trustees Department, City of Stockholm
The fourth challenge was presented by the Public Trustees Department (Överförmyndarförvaltningen) and their need to recruit more public trustees and legal guardians for individuals who are unable to manage their own personal finances. The department would rather see that representatives are motivated by the humanitarian aspect of the role rather than the financial compensation for trustees.
Interdisciplinary Student Groups Take on the Challenges
Throughout the semester, our students will work diligently to understand and find innovative and unexpected solutions to these challenges. The students come from various universities (SU, KTH, KI, and SH) and diverse fields and disciplines. Their insights and ideas will be presented at the students’ midterm presentation on October 31 and the final presentation on January 16, 2025.
Learn More About the Master’s Course
A big thank you to everyone who submitted course challenges to Openlab!
Do you have a challenge and want to be part of the selection for the next semester? Submit a challenge!
Contact us if you have questions about the course challenges, the master’s course, or want to see the student presentations. Email ivar.bjorkman@openlab.se.
