ALLCOVE CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

From Designing Thinking/Prototyping to Real-Life Project

 Abstract
Design thinking and prototyping as a methodology for developing real-world
projects is an approach worth investigating. In the quest to innovate and
develop new ways to solve problems facing our society, design thinking places
people at the focal point of the solution process. This paper examines two case
studies centered around Allcove’s innovative solution for solving mental health
challenges among youths aged 12 to 25. We highlight the importance of design
thinking and prototyping in analyzing their approach, models, challenges,
scale, and implementation. Analysis of Allcove Outcomes’s model shows that
design thinking fosters collaboration, experimentation, and factoring input
from youths who face the mental challenges they want to change. Meanwhile,
in prototyping solutions at various Allcove centers and testing what works, a
model that is replicable at scale with similar outcomes is made possible.
Allcove models are not without their challenges, In studying the challenges of
the model, a broader perspective and solution are developed when applying
design thinking and prototyping. At the end of this paper, recommendations
are provided on how best to utilize design thinking and prototyping to achieve
better outcomes for projects looking to solve real-world challenges.

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Table of Contents
Abstract.................................................................................................................................................1
Table of Contents..................................................................................................................................2
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................3
Background............................................................................................................................................5
Who is Allcove...................................................................................................................................5
What is Design Thinking and Prototyping..........................................................................................6
The Need for Allcove Model..............................................................................................................8
Allcove Model Using Design Thinking and Prototyping to Solve Mental Health Challenges................10
People-Focused Approach...............................................................................................................10
Holistic Integrated Care...................................................................................................................11
Prototyping......................................................................................................................................11
Partnerships and Training................................................................................................................12
Allcove’s Model Challenges and Outcomes.....................................................................................12
Conclusion and Recommendation.......................................................................................................14
References...........................................................................................................................................15

Introduction
The average young adult in today’s world is battling an array of complicated societal

pressures. An increase in digital use straining physical connection, academic pursuit, longing

for independence, and a constant seeking of purpose, can severely strain the mental health

of any young adult. So, how can a young person navigate the expectations of their realities

and the emotions that come with them? To that end, their mental health must be taken

seriously.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that for young adult adults

between the ages of 18 and 25, one in five of them is suffering from a mental disorder ( U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). In the past, issues of depression, anxiety,

and suicidal thoughts were seen as buzzword phrases of the lazy youth. Today, they are a

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real issue impacting modern adolescents' and adults' health and productivity. Currently,

there are more than 1.3 million young adults battling depression, anxiety, and other mental

disorders (Pabel et al., 2018). It is a problem begging to be solved effectively.

One of the primary challenges in trying to solve mental health challenges among

youths is engagement. On the Designkit Website analyzing Allcove, more than 79% of

youths suffering from mental disorders have access to mental care facilities (IDEO.org,

2021). Mental health disorder goes beyond a statistical problem, it is a challenge that

impacts the quality of life of its victims. Allcove’s solution to tackling this issue is to combine

a model that implements design thinking principles and prototyping with the patient at the

focal point of the solution. Thankfully, the solution has attracted some success with an

outcome of catering to more than roughly 1000 youths annually and obtaining permits to

setup more centers in cities across the US (IDEO.org, 2021).

In this paper, we will be examining the case studies that delve into Allcove’s process,

models, implementation, challenges, and outcomes. In the process, evaluate the merits of

design thinking and prototyping in the solving of real-world challenges.

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 Background

Who is Allcove
Allcove can be described as a solution center for mental health challenges catering

to youth between the age of 12 and 25 using an integrated and holistic approach that

supports and helps its patients thrive. Allcove is led by a host of professionals that specialize

in the treatment of mental health for young adults. With a brilliant team, an innovative

approach and model, and partnerships with like-minded institutions like Standford

Medicine, Allcove can provide a mental health solution that is accessible while catering to

the emotional, social, and physical demands of its patients (Allcove, 2022).

The Allcove model integrates youth engagement and collaboration in developing a

space that is conducive to mental wellness. By centering the approach on the contribution

of both professionals and the youths affected, allcove centers are able to deliver a safe

space that is tailored to the residents. In promoting the spirit of together, collaboration

while remaining flexible to changing variables, Allcove’s model is made holistic with the

promise of a better outcome compared to traditional mental health centers. Similarly, its

integrated solution is a classic example of the implementation of design thinking principles

and prototyping.

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 The Allocove Model (fig 1)

https://aemstage.med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/psychiatry/documents/

initiatives/allcove/allcove---A-bold-new-strategy-for-youth-mental-health.pdf

What is Design Thinking and Prototyping

Design Thinking is not an obscure methodology. IDEO a design consulting firm is a

leading organization when it comes to the implementation of design thinking methodology

(Akiike & Ichikohji, 2021). According to Brown (2008), Design thinking is the application of

innovation to solving problems while incorporating a human-centered approach. There are

five stages through which design thinking is implemented and they are;

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  Empathize: At this stage, it requires immersion into the average life of the average

target user. It is crucial to listen to the challenges, desires, and frustration of the

users while observing them through research (IDEO U, 2015).

 Define: By collating the insights from observations during the empathizing process,

you can clearly define the core problems you want to solve for the users (Lockwood,

2010).

 Ideate: Some refer to the ideate stage as the point of creativity. In this process, a

vast array of potential solutions are noted, and there is a deep exploration of what a

solution will work or solve the challenge. In simple words, it brainstorming.

 Prototyping: During this stage, sketches of a solution are produced. In some cases, a

minimum viable product of the solution is developed. Meanwhile, prototypes could

be in the form of models, sketches, and mockups (IDEO U, 2015).

 Test: Testing can be considered the final step in design thinking. It involves

experimenting with the solution and applying it while gathering feedback from the

target users. The feedback will help modify the prototype, design, and in some cases

the solution (Brown, 2009).

The benefits of design thinking as a methodology over traditional problem-solving

approaches are numerous such as the reduction of risks, evolving creativity, fostering

collaboration, and finally putting people at the center of the solution process.

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The Need for Allcove Model

Between the years 2007 and 2017, there has been an increase in the occurrence of

mental disorders affecting young people. In the US within that time, the suicide rate has

grown by 3% year on year (Stanford Psychiatry's Center for Youth Mental Health and

Wellbeing, 2022). The widespread of digital media, politically charged topics around race

and sexuality, and academic pursuit are causing more young people to feel depressed,

anxious, and in worse cases attempt suicide. The number of attempted suicides in the US

has been so alarming that a state of emergency has been issued in December 2021 by three

of the foremost young adult mental healthcare organizations year (Stanford Psychiatry's

Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2022).

Unfortunately, the problem is further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the

more than a year lockdown that followed (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

2023). The lockdown led many into depressive states as movements were restricted and the

ability to bond with peers physically became overly tedious. Reports from the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services, (2021) showed that 54% of young adults

between the ages of 18 -24 experienced bouts of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Thirdly, access to mental healthcare services as well as the quality of treatment has

always been bad. The lack of access, to holistic care, does not encourage more youths to

seek help in the traditional mental health centers. Therefore, many of the people who are

suffering from mental challenges will not be diagnosed due to insufficient access (Kessler et

al, 2005).

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 Finally, there is the issue of financial stability when it comes to providing mental

healthcare for young people. With a system where policy on mental health is poor coupled

with the financial burden for private doctors, the average mental health center is ill-

equipped to help a local adult struggling with mental health (Manatt Health, & Bland, A. N.,

2022). Therefore, the fragmentation in the mental health care system does not help

alleviate the challenge facing these young adults adequately.

In summary, the problems of mental health among young adults aged 12-25 are;

 Lack of access to a great mental health facility

 Inadequate care (non-holistic care)

 Fragmented Channels of help

 Lack of financial sustainability

Allcove is tackling every one of these problems using its Allcove model approach that

relies on design thinking principles. In the next section, this paper will examine how the

Allcove model uses design thinking to solve the listed problems and the outcome of the

model.

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 Allcove Model Using Design Thinking and Prototyping to Solve
Mental Health Challenges

People-Focused Approach
One of the standout characteristics of design thinking and prototyping is the fact that

it is human-focused. Allcove prides itself on being human-focused in its model as it solves

mental health challenges. On its website, one can find the phrase “Alcove centers are with,

by youth, with the wisdom that we all just need a moment to reset before we move

forward.” (Allcove, 2022).

In its implementation, a human–focused approach is visible as it encourages the

participation and collaboration of the targeted youth. By design, alcove centers are

embedded in the local community and rely on a network community to address social

services demand, emotional, and physical support for its community members (Stanford

Psychiatry's Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. 2022). Following the tenets of

design thinking involving empathy, definition, and ideation, (Brown, 2009) Allcove centers

have a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) comprising of 21 high schoolers they rely on for input

(IDEO, 2021). The YAG members will share their experiences, ideas, and participate in

research questions that lead to better mental health care solutions. In observing their lives,

answers, and opinions, Allcove can tailor its treatment to accommodate the youths in the

local communities.

The interactive nature of the model helps healthcare professionals and staff adapt to

the evolving nature of mental health issues. Therefore, in other areas looking to tackle

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dynamic problems in the real world, engaging with the target users will help in formulating a

flexible and effective solution (Brown 2009).

Holistic Integrated Care

One of the challenges of mental health treatment for youths is access due to the

fragmented mental health care options found traditionally. Allcoves model takes a more

holistic approach by providing an integrated setup that comprises physical space, therapy,

mental health services, care coordination, and much more (Settipani et al., 2019). Using

this approach to tackle access and inadequate care exemplifies the innovative nature of

Allcove’s model. Also, research by Kim and Jeon (2018), highlights that integrated care

shares a strong correlation with design thinking principles. Both share empathy for users,

they are people-focused, and they encourage collaborative and interactive dynamism in

their applications.

Prototyping

In testing Allcove’s model, the organization partnering with community youths

experimented with building and designing an ideal physical space using the materials they

could find closest to them (IDEO, 2022). Following designing thinking principles, by creating

prototypes while engaging the target users, Allcove was able to build and scale physical

spaces where youths with anxiety, depression, and other mental challenges could feel safe

to express themselves or be on their own (IDEO, 2022). The prototype of what the physical

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space design should look like, and how it is decorated, laid the foundation for how other

alcove centers in other cities should approach mental health treatment.

Prototyping is a great way to carefully test a theory or methodology in the real world

(Lockwood, 2010). The insights from observing the users will help refine any proposed

solution as well as provide a template for a scaled application.

Partnerships and Training

It is important to explore a lot of ideas when trying to solve real-world problems.

One of the most effective ways to reach a state of quality ideas is to partner with various

experts in the field or area one is trying to implement a solution (Fulford, 2012). Allcove

partners with various government bodies like the California Mental Health Services

Oversight Commission and experts in the field of mental health like Stanford Psychiatry's

Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. With such partnerships, solutions are

grounded in research and principles proven to work with patients on average.

Similarly, with the help of experts, it is possible to draft a training guide to help

workers and volunteers address the needs of the patients in Allcove’s centers (Stanford

Psychiatry's Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2022).

Allcove’s Model Challenges and Outcomes

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 While Allcove’s model is a better approach to addressing mental health problems

compared to the traditional method, it does still face the massive challenge of financial

sustainability and issues of policy when trying to scale into other jurisdictions in the US

(Stanford Psychiatry's Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2022). Although

Allcove as an organization was able to secure $15 million in funding to set up centers in San

Jose and Palo Alto (IDEO, 2022), It would require a more financially sustainable approach to

reach other communities. It is especially more challenging, especially in dealing with mental

health challenges in low-income communities.

Not all states in the US are open to trying Allcove’s model just yet. Navigating the

policy challenges in these areas will require evidence of outcomes and partnerships

(Stanford Psychiatry's Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2022).

So far, Allcove is serving more than 1000 American youths annually in each of its

centers. In time they are hoping to replicate similar results across the nation. Other

countries like Australia and Ireland are reporting good results from implementing similar

frameworks (Stanford Psychiatry's Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2022).

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 Conclusion and Recommendation

In analyzing Allcove’s model, this paper recommends that design thinking and

prototyping be integral to the process of building any solution for solving real-world

problems. Hence, we can sum up the recommendations as follows;

 Ensure that your target audience is a part of the solution design process

 Always observe and gather insights from the responses of the targeted users.

 Design a prototype in the form of mockups, sketches, or physical models to test your

solution’s hypothesis

 Using the data garnered from the prototype used to innovate, modify, and improve

the proposed solution.

In conclusion, Allcove has shown that designing thinking is an effective way to develop a

solution to cater to the mental health challenges of youths between the ages of 12 and 25.

Design thinking is not limited to just the mental health space, its principles, and

methodology can be applied to several sectors and industries. The most important aspect of

design thinking is to ensure that it is people-focused while being innovative.

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 References
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Akiike, A., & Ichikohji, T. (2021). What are the requirements for design thinking articles?
Annals of Business Administrative Science, 20(6), 197–209.
https://doi.org/10.7880/abas.0210930a

Brown, T. (2009). Change by design: How design thinking can transform the lives of
people and organizations. HarperCollins.

Fulford, K. M. (2012). Designing spaces for wellness: Health care facilities. In The Routledge
Companion to Design Practice (pp. 319-332). Routledge.

IDEO.org. (2021). allcove: Redesigning the help-seeking experience for

youth. https://www.designkit.org/case-studies/8.html

IDEO U. (2015). The design thinking bootcamp bootleg: Creative tools for innovators. IDEO.

Kim, Y. R., & Jeon, M. J. (2018). Design thinking for patient education: A case study of
developing diabetes education materials. BMC Medical Education, 18(1), 1-8.

Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K.R., & Walters, E .E. (2005).
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Lockwood, P. M. (2010). Total design: Integrated approaches to successful projects.

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Manatt Health, & Bland, A. N. (2022). Assessing the continuum of care for behavioral health
services in California: Data, stakeholder perspectives, and implications. State of
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https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/Assessing-the-Continuum-of-Carefor-BH-
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Pabel, L. D., Hummel, T., Weidner, K., & Croy, I. (2018). The impact of severity, course, and
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Settipani, C. A., Hawke, L. D., Cleverley, K., Chaim, G., Cheung, A., Mehra, K., Rice, M.,
Szatmari, P., & Henderson, J. (2019). Key attributes of integrated community-based
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health. https://aemstage.med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/psychiatry/
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(2019). Child Maltreatment 2019. Administration for Children and Families.
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