The third AHEAD Lab, titled “IDEATE,” successfully took place at the Archaeological Museum of Messara and remains an ongoing process, bringing cultural heritage professionals, educators, and students together in an innovative co-creation experience.
Following the successful completion of the Empathize and Define phases—and with the active involvement of cultural heritage professionals Alexandra Skalochoriti and Despoina Markaki—over 140 primary school students from the region participated in empathetic interviews and need-definition exercises.
These interactions provided valuable insights, forming a strong foundation for the Ideation phase of the Design Thinking process, which was the central focus of this lab.
The energy and enthusiasm in this lab were unmatched, as participants collaboratively explored creative solutions based on the User Need Statement that emerged from previous discussions with students and teachers. The ideation phase proved to be the most dynamic and innovative stage so far, allowing participants to generate and document numerous ideas while also addressing key considerations.
What made this process truly effective was the open and inclusive environment—a space where every voice was heard, every idea was valued, and collective creativity flourished. The museum provided a safe and inspiring setting for free expression, ensuring that all perspectives were acknowledged and refined.
Under the expert guidance of Kalliopi Gkalanaki, participants aligned their ideas with the real needs and possibilities of the museum, ensuring that the creative solutions proposed were both visionary and practical. The high level of engagement and genuine interest from all involved highlighted the significance of this initiative in shaping audience-centered approaches to cultural heritage.
This lab marks a crucial milestone in the AHEAD labs, reinforcing the program’s commitment to transforming how cultural heritage professionals connect with their communities.
