Designer AnnaAs a design practitioner over the last decade, I have been continually inspired by novel and experimental approaches to complex problems. My consultancy, Kolmas Persoona Oy, has been approached with questions such as:
“Can design thinking be used to develop ways for public libraries to support democracy?”“Is it possible to improve cancer diagnostics with the help of design methodology?” “How would you go about re-designing a dementia ward?”The key element in all the projects has been to explore ways of making the voice of the ‘user’ heard, empathetically understood and to facilitate the creative power of those effected by the design. Our methodology is derived from design thinking, service design, strategic forecasting, design ethnography and business modelling. Researcher AnnaI’m currently a doctoral researcher at Tampere University/Tampere Peace Research Institute. My PhD research “Peace + Design – The Possibilities of Design Thinking in the Peacebuilding Context” lies at the intersection of peace and design research. By applying a multidisciplinary approach, the study examines whether design thinking could provide a useful mindset and a methodological framework in the peacebuilding context.Entrepreneur AnnaFor someone who meets me for the first time, I might come a cross as an idealistic dreamer. However, I’d be quick to assure you that this quality is accompanied by experience and pragmatism acquired through project management and facilitation of dozens of design projects, strategy processes and board work. I have been an entrepreneur since my early 20s and grown alongside the companies mentioned in this profile. Before Terveystalo Oyj acquired one of them, Sivupersoona Oy, in August 2021, I had the privilege of being an employer for over 150 people in the health and social services sectors.