Innovation Learning Network

Innovation Learning Network We exist to share innovations across systems, teach innovation and design techniques, and create innovation friendships.

We wrapped the final phase of our Systems Illumination work for the Youth In Crisis Action Coalition — and we’re so prou...
12/16/2025

We wrapped the final phase of our Systems Illumination work for the Youth In Crisis Action Coalition — and we’re so proud of what this community accomplished this year. 🌟

In our last session, we tagged the system map — frozen spots 🧊, energy for change 🔥, mixed bags 🤷‍♀️, bright spots 🌱, and ripple effects 🌊 — and surfaced our top leverage points.

Next up in the new year: aligning across our network and using this shared system view to shape bold, future-ready solutions. Feeling grateful and excited for what’s ahead. ⚡️

Wondering which systems map makes sense to use? Swipe for two key questions that will help you narrow it down.
12/09/2025

Wondering which systems map makes sense to use? Swipe for two key questions that will help you narrow it down.

Redesigning Primary Care, One Metaphor at a Time. Last Saturday, we kicked off the first in a powerful series of co-desi...
12/04/2025

Redesigning Primary Care, One Metaphor at a Time.
 
Last Saturday, we kicked off the first in a powerful series of co-design workshops with the innovation team at San Mateo Medical Center to advance Camino al Salud.

This initiative is a critical, systems-level effort to redesign primary care, and we are doing it the only way that leads to meaningful, lasting change: by designing with the people who experience it every day - patients, staff, payers, and partners.

For this session, we used the power of metaphors as a design tool, asking participants:

What metaphor describes the primary care you want for your community?

¿Qué metáfora describe la atención primaria que deseas para tu comunidad?

The response was inspiring. Through sketching and dialogue, participants developed seven distinct and vivid metaphors, ranging from “ice cream truck” to “lazy boy recliner”—each one a unique vision for a better primary care experience.

This week, we reconvene to build on these foundational insights and start imagining new possibilities. The future of health is co-created.

Systems Illumination, part 2.Last week our Youth Crisis Action Coalition team came back together to keep building out ou...
11/13/2025

Systems Illumination, part 2.

Last week our Youth Crisis Action Coalition team came back together to keep building out our 🧊iceberg map🧊, yes, all 331 stickies of it. We refined our near and guiding stars, validated the themes and patterns, and surfaced even more connections beneath the surface.

And of course, gave us yet another mini-lesson on how to tear a sticky note properly so it actually sticks. One day we’ll master it.

Final iceberg map coming soon. Stay tuned!!  🚀

Through a grant from the County of Sonoma to West County Health Centers, the ILN was commissioned to interview people wh...
10/28/2025

Through a grant from the County of Sonoma to West County Health Centers, the ILN was commissioned to interview people who use substances—many in treatment and most parents. Chris and I had the honor of conducting this design fieldwork as part of Project 100, a community-wide, multi-organizational effort to reduce the effects of toxic stress in children ages 0–5.

As we wrapped up this work last week, I’ve been reflecting on what I learned in 15+ hours of interviews. Among the other 8 reflections (above), this work reminded me that fieldwork isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about creating the conditions where people feel comfortable sharing their stories. 💛

At our workshop last week, the Youth Crisis Action Coalition team gathered, learning to look beneath the surface.We us...
10/21/2025

At our workshop last week, the Youth Crisis Action Coalition team gathered, learning to look beneath the surface.

We used iceberg analysis to map not just events, but the patterns, structures, and beliefs that shape them.

Because system change happens when we put out “fires” AND address what fuels them. 🔥🌊

Two decades of pretending we knew what we were doing. Turns out, it worked. 🎈ILN turns 20 this month — a milestone made ...
10/14/2025

Two decades of pretending we knew what we were doing. Turns out, it worked. 🎈

ILN turns 20 this month — a milestone made possible by our community, our partners, and every person who’s been part of the journey. Take a walk down memory lane with us as we reflect on some ✨iconic✨ moments.

The Impact Accelerator has launched 🚀
A new network for health leaders to experiment, collaborate, and accelerate soluti...
10/07/2025

The Impact Accelerator has launched 🚀
A new network for health leaders to experiment, collaborate, and accelerate solutions for healthier communities.

At the heart of the Accelerator are three guiding truths:
💫 The fullness of humanity means everyone has a place at the table
💫 Designing for the margins creates solutions that benefit all
💫 Real change means tackling root causes and embracing complexity

One unforgettable moment: musician Diana Gameros shared her work with the Lullaby Project, which pairs artists with families to create lullabies for their babies. Her performance reminded us that creativity, empathy, and art belong in healthcare — opening space for reflection, healing, and connection.

This is just the beginning — we’re proud to help launch the and inspired by what’s ahead. 💙

✨ Spotlight on implementation / Enfoque en implementación ✨
This month we’re highlighting a recent Project 100 implement...
09/16/2025

✨ Spotlight on implementation / Enfoque en implementación ✨
This month we’re highlighting a recent Project 100 implementation: the Health To Go vending machine in Sonoma County — bringing free, confidential access to harm reduction and health essentials, and making a difference every day. 💙
👉 Swipe / Desliza to see the full story — from idea to action to impact.

Hi friends, it’s Louisa 🤗I recently supported a co-design session with our community partners, and left with a full hear...
09/04/2025

Hi friends, it’s Louisa 🤗

I recently supported a co-design session with our community partners, and left with a full heart and a lot to reflect on.

As a designer, I care deeply about making sure those most impacted by a project are shaping it, not just consulted, not just observed. That’s what makes co-design so powerful: you’re designing with people, not for them.

Swipe above to read my reflections on the day. I’d love to hear how you approach co-design, or what resonates from your own practice.

You said these things.
And we’re still carrying your words with us….as we plan . Coming Soon!
08/11/2025

You said these things.
And we’re still carrying your words with us….as we plan . Coming Soon!

What really happens when a community designs with each other? Last month, we teamed up with families, local orgs, and co...
07/23/2025

What really happens when a community designs with each other?

Last month, we teamed up with families, local orgs, and community members to co-design around two big questions:
🌱 How can we create equitable access to healthy, culturally relevant food?
👶 How might we better support families in the first 1000 days of life?

We brainstormed, sketched, acted things out (yes, even built a fridge out of pipe cleaners), and ended with 18 community-rooted concepts.

Next up: turning these ideas into real, on-the-ground solutions. 🙌 Learn more at: Project100.info

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