Two Design Science Labs were held in 2006. One Lab was conducted in New York City from June 21st through 30th at the United Nations headquarters and the United Nations International School with 55 participants ranging in age from 15 to 60. A second Lab was conducted from July 19th to 28th in Asheville, North Carolina with 35 participants ranging in age from 14 to 73. The 2006 group examined Millennium Development Goals #2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 dealing with issues of global education, health, the environment, and energy use at both the global and local levels.

Each of the Labs began with an orientation session with UN staff members, meeting in-person at the United Nations Headquarters with the New York groups and via live videoconference with the North Carolina group. Lab participants were briefed by staff from the UNDP, The Millennium Development Campaign, UNESCO, UNICEF, DESA and others on the MDGs, their context, history, measurement, the progress made so far, and strategies in use for reaching them.

On the last day of both Labs, participants returned to the UN (either in person or via video-conference as was the case for Lab participants in North Carolina) where they presented their work to senior United Nations advisors and directors, engaging in discussion and constructive critique of their strategies.

Check out a sample schedule from the 2006 NYC Design Science Lab

Check out a sample schedule from the 2006 North Carolina Design Science Lab

» View the 2006 poster (PDF)

Contact us if you are interested in bringing the Design Science Lab to your community.