Firsthand

Firsthand is a collective focused on crafting novel solutions for complex challenges faced by underserved communities. We are a global team of designers, behavioral scientists, anthropologists, and communications specialists that weave research and design together in search of new possibilities.

We apply human-centred, participatory research alongside design and communication methods to help our partner organizations, and the people they serve, achieve their ambitions. By strengthening strategic, creative and human systems, we ensure our impact long outlasts our presence. The work is deeply strategic, does not conform to a template and is always enriching and rewarding.

Our difference: 

• Visualizing insights, people, connections: The presentation of any project directly affects its resonance, adoption and continued utility.
• Systems thinking: The relationship between the assigned deliverable and also how it builds on what exists, and connects to what will exist in the future. 
• Keeping people at the center: From research to design, we think deeply about respect for communities and possible repercussions of our actions and interactions as we work to reveal not only logistical information, but also emotion, motivation and influence.