Process
The i4J Approach
The i4J Approach is a research methodology that employs design and systems thinking methodologies to Participatory Action Research projects to expose inequalities in the justice system and create new, replicable, and scalable strategies for legal empowerment.
Participatory Action Research (PAR) situates systemically disinvested community members — those who are usually the “subject” of study — as co-researchers who are involved in every step of the research process from framing and scope to data analysis and dissemination. Centering the lived and learned experience of those experiencing and addressing the project challenges assumptions and biases that are present in other research approaches. This shift of power away from the institution to the community is intentional and unique to PAR projects. Using the PAR framework within design and systems thinking methodologies allows for inclusive and diverse perspectives to inform all i4J projects.
The i4J approach includes:
The i4J approach is a non-linear, data-driven process that incorporates both design and systems thinking approaches, and requires regular robust community engagement, reflection, and data-driven iteration. The i4J Approach is effective because it combines a deep understanding of the needs of individuals experiencing the problem with a thorough analysis of the complexity of the system that the problem lies within. This dual approach allows us to leverage the strengths of both design thinking and systems thinking to work with system actors within communities to design high-impact solutions. Further, this approach leads with empathy and situates the next generation of students to think critically, inclusively, and creatively about how to address complex problems.
The i4J process begins by learning about the design challenge and its impacts on individuals within the community as well as the system at large. User research methods, such as social service landscape analysis, qualitative interviews, and moderated usability testing, may be used to deeply understand and empathize with the needs, motivations, and pain points of the system actors and community members who are experiencing the problem.
Large quantities of complex and nuanced qualitative data are analyzed to identify common themes. Themes are used to synthesize data-informed insights that allow the research team to define real, underlying problems and needs. Upstream causes and downstream effects as well as enablers and inhibitors within the system are also identified, providing insight into impactful intervention points as well as opportunities for improvement.
Many new ideas that could potentially solve the defined problems are generated through a focused creative brainstorming process. Ideas are prioritized by ease of implementation and positive impact, and developed into cohesive concepts that leverage opportunities for improvement. The concepts may shared with community members as assumption tests or concept tests to generate early-stage feedback that will further refine ideas before prototype design begins.
The concepts are developed into tangible prototypes that clearly communicate the intervention’s purpose and potential for impact. Iterative testing of prototypes with community co-researchers and co-creators who provide actionable feedback empowers the research team to challenge assumptions and improve solution designs. This collaborative approach results in solutions that work because they are designed and refined by the communities that will use them.
i4J is a Trauma-Responsive Organization
Trauma-informed and trauma-responsive have become buzzwords in the professional lexicon, especially in organizations that are and prioritize helping roles. As a starting point, it is important to understand the progression from trauma-awareness to trauma-responsiveness. Being trauma-aware means that there is a basic understanding of trauma and the impact that it may have on individuals, including reactions to certain environments and stimuli. Trauma sensitivity is the next step towards becoming trauma-responsive, and is identified by the active implementation of new practices and skills into interactions with others. Trauma-informed takes it one step further, incorporating the understanding of trauma, its potential effects, and promoting trauma-informed principles in all parts of an organization. A trauma-informed organization takes action to avoid the risk of retraumatization and actively promotes environments of healing, safety, and resilience. Taking it one step further, a trauma-responsive approach is the most comprehensive approach an organization can take, not only implementing new practices and skills including promoting healing environments but taking it a step further to implement preventative practices, also. This approach continually evolves and iterates to meet the needs of those who are impacted by trauma, incorporating the latest research and individual experiences to do better. i4J seeks to be a trauma-responsive organization at all levels.
Because i4J research projects often involve collaboration with vulnerable populations, all i4J research team members are trained in and use trauma-informed practices. This includes: education around and recognition of trauma-related symptoms and behaviors that originate from adapting to traumatic responses; minimizing the risk of re-traumatization where possible; co-creating a safe environment; supporting control, choice, and autonomy; organizational and administrative commitment to trauma-informed practices; and developing and encouraging strategies to address secondary trauma and promote self-care. However, it is not enough to understand trauma, the effects, and how they may show up in projects and interactions with team members and community members.. i4J team members are further trained to employ trauma-informed language that emphasizes the dignity and value of all, regardless of their current circumstances. i4J trauma-informed training materials are continuously iterated with each use to include the most up to date research and best practices in the areas of trauma and approaches to working with those who may have experienced trauma. Becoming trauma-responsive is not something that happens once and is complete — instead it is a constant and consistent approach that is reactive and refined through learning and interactions with others.
Additionally, Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols protect participant information as part of every project. All prospective participants receive information about participating, consent, confidentiality, and compensation. All participants are de-identified during research as well as in reports.
i4J prioritizes values of diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential parts of increasing access to justice for all.
In the classroom
We strive to create inclusive and equitable learning environments and to intentionally develop psychological safety in order to make all students feel welcome and valued for their unique contributions. We invite collaboration on classroom norms and values that serve as the north star to the work of the team. We teach vibrant, action-oriented, project-based, community-engaged courses with an explicit expectation that everyone will contribute towards collective excellence. We promote diversity of thought, background, experience, and culture in the classroom because it creates a better classroom community, and because it reinforces the value of diverse perspectives and contributions that drive our research.
In the community
i4J actively works to bridge the justice gap and close the digital divide that disproportionately affects systemically disinvested communities. To bring those who have not had a role in justice decision-making to the table, we work with and within community to conduct research and co-design solutions. Our research teams are trained to recognize how cognitive and implicit biases can impact communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and community-engaged research. Our research teams are also trained in trauma-informed community engagement with emphasis on the agency, resilience, and individuality of the community members we work with. We provide compensation to lived experience experts to respect the value of their time and to acknowledge their valuable contributions to the work.