Catapult Design

Designing solutions that truly work in underserved communities isn’t easy. It requires humility, patience, and the willingness to challenge assumptions. We’ve learned that partnering with local communities is essential to creating solutions that reflect real needs and stand the test of time. Working with local collaborators means navigating complex realities: understanding cultural nuances, respecting traditions, and addressing resource constraints. But this effort is critical. Local partners bring expertise we don’t have—insights about their communities, relationships built on trust, and a deep understanding of what will or won’t work in their contexts. Thank you to the talented individuals and teams digging into the work with us.

Across three countries in sub-Saharan Africa, women have been at the center of shaping the next generation of non-hormonal contraceptives. Panels of women—including some of the most vulnerable in their communities—worked as long-term collaborators to co-create solutions tailored to their unique family planning needs. Using behavioral segmentation, we ensured these panels represented diverse voices and experiences. Together, they informed minimal viable products, shaped target product profiles for funders and developers, and provided critical insights that will drive meaningful, inclusive change in reproductive health. This project proves what’s possible when women are not just consulted, but equipped to co-create solutions that meet their unique needs and circumstances.

As we begin a new year, we at Catapult Design have enjoyed a season of peaceful reflection and renewed hope for the year ahead. And, we wish the same for you. Thank you to our partners and colleagues in this important work.

Millions of women worldwide face a critical challenge: accessing contraceptives that are both effective and aligned with their needs. For many, the options available are limited, commonly relying on hormonal methods that women often perceive as coming with disruptive side effects like menstrual irregularities. These perceptions lead to countless women never seeking modern contraceptive methods or discontinuing use, despite their desire for family planning solutions. But what if the solution lies in starting with one simple question: 𝙒𝒉𝙖𝒕 𝒅𝙤 𝙬𝒐𝙢𝒆𝙣 𝙬𝒂𝙣𝒕? Over the past three years, we’ve worked across Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal to answer this question through the Beyond One Size Fits All: Designing the Future of Non-Hormonal Contraceptives for Women project. Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this initiative amplifies women’s voices to reimagine non-hormonal contraceptive solutions that fit their lives—no matter their life stage.

From managing the Olympics to delivering global vaccination programs, executing successful public projects demands a fine-tuned balance of leadership, strategy, and adaptability. On December 10, Apolitical's virtual education event "Management & Delivery Lessons from the World’s Trickiest Projects" is open to public servants and policymakers to explore how to navigate these challenges. Trevor Zimmer, Program Director at Catapult Design, and Jess Annison OBE, Leadership Coach and former Director of the Olympic Security Programme, will share hard-earned lessons on overcoming time constraints, managing diverse stakeholders, and tackling unforeseen obstacles. This is your opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals, ask questions, and refine your approach to delivering impactful public projects. Click to register!

Catapult Design's CEO, Angela Hariche, has joined Fast Company’s exclusive Impact Council! This collective brings together innovative leaders from across industries to tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of business and social impact. As a member of the Impact Council, Angela looks forward to sharing her views and experiences as they relate to social impact and design. This opportunity to share her insight will allow us to continue our commitment of driving meaningful change through design, strategy, and community-driven innovation.

We're honored to be a part of this important work, working alongside some incredible partners! YUX Design Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Tracy Johnson Spindle Design Ooloi Labs DODO Alt Unfold

We had the opportunity to travel to Seattle to present our research and findings from "Beyond One Size Fits All: Designing the Future of Non-Hormonal Contraceptives for Women," a multi-year project dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in creating accessible, effective contraceptive solutions. We appreciate the support of Tracy Johnson and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in bringing this research to life. This work has helped ensure women's voices inform the future of contraceptive design. More insights and data from this project will be released in the coming months

We are excited to collaborate with ASU Library Labriola Center, Brian Skeet Design LLC, and Indigenous Community Collaborative to bring a workshop to support Indigenous Students. Indigenizing Design, is an initiative that aims to increase the understanding of what Indigenizing means to Indigenous communities based on their personal lived experiences and as Indigenous community member.

🎃 Announcing the Winners of Catapult Design's Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest! 🎃 Big thanks to last year’s champ, Haleemah Sadiah, for judging this year and bringing her sharp design eye! Each pumpkin was bursting with creativity, making it scarily difficult to choose—especially with the boss in the running! Here are the winners: ✨ Degree of Difficulty – Pragya - Pictured below!🏆 👀 Presentation – Simran 🎉 🎨 Avant-Garde – Angela 🥳 This team does great work, but we also have a LOT of fun! Such a fun way to keep our creative gears turning out of the office. Happy Halloween and Diwali! 🧡 #PumpkinContest #CatapultDesign