Design Thinking in Planning Interest Group

About / History

The American Planning Association's Design Thinking in Planning Interest Group was born from the Design Thinking Series in 2022, taught by Thomas Fisher (University of Minnesota), where we, as Planners, can explore integrating Design Thinking perspectives, principles, and practices in our planning efforts as a way to be relevant to the constant changes in our communities. COVID-19 was the context we spoke about throughout the course. Participants from this course recognized this course content as essential for advancing a more human-centered and equitable approach in the field of Planning.

Follow our LinkedIn and join us for Design Thinking Thursdays on the first Thursday of every month, 3:30-4:30 pm EST via Google Meet!

Vision Statement

To serve as the American Planning Association's premier hub on the intersection between Planning and Design Thinking, promoting human-centeredness in the Planning discipline to improve community engagement practices, collaboration, and planning transparency, resulting in human-centered planning, policies, and investments.

Mission Statement

The mission of the American Planning Association's Design Thinking In Planning Interest Group is to advance design thinking by expanding awareness, advocacy, and education across the Planning industry and in related disciplines through communications, education and training, guest speakers, events, the design of innovative and best practices, and partnership development.

Join the Interest Group

Learn more about our Interest Group, Leadership Team, and Working Groups

Working Groups

The APA Design Thinking In Planning Interest Group Leadership Team serves as the acting Overseer to the Working Groups and their respective Focus Areas, providing overall support, where necessary, to the Working Group Contact Leads and Contributors.

The Focus Areas include the following:

• Advocacy & Partnership Development
• Community of Practice
• Education & Training
• Publications & Research

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Executive Director

Kayla Barbour, MCP LFA

Kayla Barbour is a sustainability-focused planner who began practicing Design Thinking in 2017 via the Berea College Entrepreneurship for the Public Good and Stanford University Innovation Fellows programs. In 2022, Kayla completed her Master's in Community Planning at the University of Cincinnati DAAP School of Planning. As founder of ECOPACITY Planning, she strives to integrate Design Thinking within projects relevant to spatial analytics, land use planning, and economic development for private and public entities alike. Kayla is driven to immerse design thinking methodologies within the Planning field, and she’s honored to serve as Executive Director of the interest group.

EDUCATION & TRAINING WORKING GROUP LEAD

Jessica Phillips

Jessica Phillips is a human-centered strategist and design thinker with a background in engineering, project management, and civic innovation. Her interdisciplinary career blends systems thinking with creative problem-solving to reimagine how we plan, build, and serve communities. Jessica's approach is rooted in empathy, equity, and curiosity, shaping everything from infrastructure to public services with people at the center. She brings experience in both federal and local government settings and is passionate about integrating design thinking into urban planning practice. Jessica is excited to support this interest group and help champion more inclusive, responsive, and imaginative planning systems.

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Bren Forester

Brendan "Bren" Forester is a people leader who thrives at the intersection of design, research, and strategy. He believes the most impactful solutions emerge when creative problem-solving meets rigorous analysis and human-centered thinking. His journey began in visual communications, where he developed a strong design foundation. He continued his education with an MBA to understand business strategy and an MA to strengthen leadership capabilities. He has discovered that the magic happens when you get the right mix of people together, ask distinctive questions, and are not afraid to scrap your favorite idea if the data says otherwise.

DATA & TECHNICAL MANAGER

Zane Winkler

Zane Winkler is a creative thinker who has been around multiple fields focused on design thinking. His experience at the University of Indiana and at the University of Cincinnati as an Urban Planning student has enabled him to find a path within the realm of urban planning. He is a visual designer, allowing him to connect his work to people within the community more effectively. His passion for design thinking comes from his human-centered design mindset and ability to connect with those around the community. While getting his degree in Urban Planning, he is working on a minor in architectural studies.

Volunteer

The Design Thinking in Planning Interest Group is seeking volunteers to serve as:

Advocacy & Partnership Development Working Group Lead

Community of Practice Working Group Lead

Publications & Research Working Group Lead

Resources

APA Design Thinking Series

Design Thinking— a PAS Quicknotes by Thomas Fisher

Design Thinking: New Approach to Solving Planning Challenges

American Planning Association Research KnowledgeBase

Contact Us

If you have any questions or if you would like to get involved, please contact us at designthinkinginplanning@gmail.com

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