Niya Yates's Contact Details

Niya Yates's Company Details

Convergence Design Lab

Chicago, IL, US • 5 - 9 Employees
Architecture Firm/Engineering Firm

Convergence Design Lab is an equity-first applied research and learning design studio. We offer services in learning design, evaluation and participatory research and strategy for nonprofits and learning organizations. Convergence specializes in fostering communities of practice and building vibrant learning ecosystems that support equity and participatory agency using human-centered design. We:- Design interactive content and tools to support engagement- Facilitate hands-on workshops for teams including our popular Theory of Action MadLibs- Lead programs reviews and audits with expert analysis- Develop training plans, course flows, assessment plans, and engagement strategies.- Develop blended on online course modules, lesson plans, storyboards, and multimedia contentOur research and design practices are shaped by social impact theories like Connected Learning and Participatory Media. Connected Learning posits that people learn best when pursuing interests and passions among a community of peers. Participatory Media flips consumers into active producers who create, remix and share media. These theories influence our work in learning experience design, audience engagement, research and community building.Convergence Design Lab's work is rooted in years of applied research and innovative practice, carried out with dozens of schools, mentors, teachers, youth and cultural organizations, networks and communities locally and nationally. Our work is multifaceted. We develop curriculum, build learning games/tools, assess outcomes, strengthen professional learning communities, and apply the human-centered design process to create innovative new e-learning solutions. We strive for a participatory process that can strengthen community ties, foster engagement and build sustainable impact.