From December 16 to December 18, 2023, “Human-centered Innovation Bootcamp” (HIB) was successfully held in Tra Vinh Province with the participation of 31 students from Fulbright University Vietnam and Hochiminh City. This intensive 3-day training program provides students with opportunities to build capacity, practice overcoming challenges, and create continuous impacts with human-centered innovation approaches.
Prior to the bootcamp, participants were required to complete an assignment to get to know about existing social problems with 03 focused topics of ecotourism, career guidance for high school students, and single-use plastic among the local community in Tra Vinh. This exercise helped them gain a more comprehensive understanding of the project and the work they would undertake throughout the three days of the bootcamp.
Participants were greeted by the refreshing and sunny atmosphere of Vila Basi, Tra Vinh embracing them with warmth and natural beauty
The first training session provided students with the fundamental principles of “Human-Centered Innovation”, facilitated by instructors from the Fulbright Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI). The session introduced useful methods and frameworks such as Small-data, Ethnographic mapping, Job-to-be-done Interviews, Solution Safari, and Positive Deviance. Ms. Lan Phan (the main instructor emphasized the importance of focusing on people in the innovation process.
“Through this, students feel respected and connected to the community by learning about local models and solving real-world problems,” shared Ha Phuong, a student from the class of 2026 at Fulbright University Vietnam.
Training session at Human-centered Innovation Bootcamp 2023
Afterward, the participants were divided into six groups to solve three main problems namely (1) Ecotourism in Tra Vinh, (2) Career direction guidance for high school students, and (3) Single-use plastic usage among local Students. In the evening, groups engaged in group-based self-study sessions, focusing on the deliverables of a literature review and assumption of the problem.
Group work to apply innovation tools to solving existing problems in Tra Vinh
On Monday morning, the groups met with a local expert, Mr. Pham Van Anh (Harry), founder of Eco Vietnam Group, who shared valuable insights about the organization and its educational activities to support the local community in Tra Vinh.
Fieldtrip at the local community to observe and collect practical insights to understand the existing problem in Tra Vinh
Additionally, at Ba Thuy Dua Sap and the Khmer Pagoda, six groups conducted further group research by observation and interviews with the local community to gain a deeper understanding of the issues and seek appropriate solutions.
Interview with Ba Thuy Dua Sap’s owner to explore the problem that the business had been facing
“Although the schedule was intense, I learned a lot, immersed myself in nature, and enjoyed the delicious food that made me truly feel a sense of belonging and cherish every moment at the Human-centered Innovation Bootcamp,” shared Quynh Mai, a student from the class of 2026.
Finally, each group presented their completed products, applying the knowledge and information gathered from the local community. The solutions proposed by the groups were all developed by a human-centered approach, forming a close connection to the local community.
The final presentation for local stakeholders about the process of understanding problems and suggestion for solutions
It cannot be denied that the three-day experience at the Human-centered Innovation Bootcamp was successful and brought significant value to the participating students. But for now, let’s take a moment to cheer on the memorable moments from HIB 2023.
About the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI)
The CEI, Fulbright University Vietnam’s first center, aims to instill the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation at the heart of the Fulbright culture and training program. CEI offers various entrepreneurship and innovation training events to Vietnam and the region for Fulbright students and other communities, including students, experts, entrepreneurs, and enterprises. CEI plans to expand its collaboration with Fulbright University Vietnam, nurturing and supporting business development to quickly discover solutions for major challenges facing Vietnam and the region.
