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Hålle du? Designsprint to strengthen relationships in Sandnes
Exploring how to reduce social exclusion and loneliness, and strengthen belonging and community in Sandnes.
sector
Services
Sandnes, like many other cities, is experiencing growing challenges related to loneliness, social exclusion, and fragmented local communities. At the same time, there is a rich organizational life and strong resources within volunteering, the public sector, and the business community. How can we connect these resources better – and make it easier for residents to participate in communities?
Process
Day 1 – Understand and Define Direction
The sprint started with insights into social exclusion and loneliness, working to establish a clear ambition:
- More community – less individualism
- More physical togetherness – less screen time
Design principles were also developed for further work. These emphasized initiatives that provide measurable value, build on existing structures, and are accessible to as many people as possible.
Day 2 – Explore and Develop Concepts
Through inspiration from national and international initiatives, combined with structured brainstorming, the group generated a broad portfolio of opportunities.
- The common denominator: Low-threshold initiatives that make it easier to participate, contribute, and build relationships in everyday life.
Day 3 – Concrete Planning and Unifying Direction
The sprint culminated in the development of the concept Hålle du? (Are you holding up? / How are you doing?) – an overarching framework for strengthening community in Sandnes.
Result
Hålle du? was defined as:
- An umbrella for initiatives and activities that promote community
- A platform and toolbox that makes it easier for residents to create something themselves
- A bridge builder between existing actors and good initiatives
- A mindset and a culture that lowers the threshold for joining the community
The concept is open and flexible – it is meant to be filled and shaped by those who use it.
Canoe's Role and Value
Canoe facilitated a structured and engaging process that:
- Unified diverse actors around a shared problem and a common direction
- Created engagement and ownership across different sectors
- Delivered a concrete, actionable concept in a short amount of time
- Laid the foundation for action – not just insight
Impact
Although the work is in an early stage, the sprint has:
- Created a clear, shared ambition for community in Sandnes
- Mobilized key actors across sectors
- Established a concrete concept with the potential for scaling
In short:A well-facilitated design sprint made a complex social challenge manageable – and translated it into a concrete concept that people can adopt and build upon.
