Social Sharing
In 2008, when we formalized our commitment to pro bono service, we did something vitally important for the pro bono movement: we gave it a name. A name not laden with design jargon, but instead comprised of two universally understandable words: open and hand. Together, they cast a striking image of CannonDesign as a provider, a partner and a recipient.
Since then, Open Hand Studio has worked as an incubator for dozens of public interest design projects. Through the studio, we take a two-pronged approach to giving back: connecting individuals to organizations that provide design services for the public good, and identifying and providing pro bono or reduced-fee services to those who would otherwise lack access to them.
Our goal isn't just to design for in-need communities. It's to empower people within these communities to directly shape solutions that have widespread and direct impact on their lives. Our approach is rooted in Living-Centered Design and a belief that the people most affected by inequity should be involved in every step of our design process.
We're proud of what Open Hand Studio has become and even more proud of the impact the organizations we've partnered with are having on their communities.
Here's a look at just a few of the projects we've been honored to lead in recent years.