We create experiences that move people.
Human-Centered Design, a process that builds deep empathy and understanding for your audiences’ needs and wants so that you can have success during the moments that matter, build momentum, and ultimately have bigger impact in the arenas that will move your mission forward.
A trusted process that makes real impact in real lives.
learn
Every project starts by taking time to listen and learn. Whether it’s through a series of conversations or conducting a fresh set of research, we carve out space to understand and empathize before we jump into ideation.
Strategize
Guided by stakeholder needs and want, we tap into insights and chart a course for unearthing more relevant, inspiring ideas and decisions.
ACTIVATE
Ideas are brought to life by crafting smart, simple, and spirited objects and interactions. The results are thoughtful, thorough outcomes that leave a lasting impression.
“Olio is a design studio with a philosophy that is not limited to visual aesthetics, but one that’s rooted in empathy. They think holistically and comprehensively about the challenge they’re tasked with, operating as problem solvers, taking the time to deeply explore and understand their audience, end user, and even their client before jumping to solutions or final products. This makes olio an outstanding collaborator and a truly human-centered partner.”
—Teresa Mozur, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Our Services
continuous improvement advising and organizational transformation
This customized offering is designed for organizations seeking to integrate Human-Centered Design practices into their organizational culture. Olio offers fractional leadership, facilitates internal capacity building, and participates in strategic planning that aligns to organizational values and fosters innovation to achieve greater social impact. Recognizing that nonprofits require accessible and collaborative guidance, we focus on introducing new ways of working by embedding empathy-driven problem-solving and iterative approaches to change within organizations.
Deliverables Include:
Strategic advising for introducing human-centered design across functions
Recommendations for improving communication, processes, and outreach
Human-Centered Design workshops and training for boards and internal teams
Guidance for launching large scale initiatives
Impact reporting and storytelling that demonstrates measurable social impact
Integrated Marketing and Communications
This type of engagement focuses on developing and executing cohesive marketing and communication strategies and plans that drive engagement and awareness across multiple channels. It aims to help organizations effectively deploy assets, enhance supporter engagement, and develop compelling materials, often packaging items together to emphasize increased audience engagement. This service is particularly strong for improving program delivery and outcomes.
Deliverables Include:
Ethnographic and market research and insights
Stakeholder journeys, lifecycles, and blueprints tailored for nonprofit communication and service delivery
Program marketing and communications strategy
Communication channel development to effectively reach target communities
Website design and development to connect target communities valuable information and resources
Funding and advocacy campaigns that drive social change
Annual impact collateral that clearly showcases outcomes and achievements
Strategic Brand Evolutions
This high-value service focuses on comprehensive brand strategy for organizations seeking to make significant, sustainable shifts in awareness and perception. Olio provides deep expertise in brand leadership and vision, leveraging Human-Centered Design to build brands that deeply connect to audiences and reflect the organization's mission. We utilize in-depth research to uncover what matters most to your stakeholders—then translate those insights into actionable solutions that best position your brand to advance your strategic priorities within the social impact landscape. We strive to be an accessible and supportive partner throughout.
Deliverables Include:
Ethnographic and market research designed for the social impact sector
Mission-aligned brand positioning driven by community values and voices
Brand guidelines and visual systems that reflection organizations’ commitment to social change
Community Engagement & Mission Activation Experiences
This work is dedicated to designing intentional experiences that build awareness, strengthen ties, and activate communities around an organization's mission. Olio leverages audience insights to craft relevant and resonant interactions, with a goal of creating informed, inspired advocates. This offering is crucial for strategic priorities related to growing funder support and advocating for policy change by fostering deeper connections and mobilizing communities.
Deliverables Include:
Stakeholder toolkits designed for community engagement and advocacy
Experiential event design and execution plans for social impact events
Awareness and engagement campaigns
Community engagement plans and activations focused on specific initiatives and issues
Communication touchpoint design that reinforces mission and values