Design thinking in corrections: Revamping reception into custody

• In Event: Emerging Carceral Issues

Abstract

In 2023, Corrections Victoria initiated a project with Beyond the Stone Walls Advisory Collective (BSWAC) titled ‘Improving offender reception process at Western Plains Correctional Centre.’ Dr Martinovic and Mr Attia (from two different colleges at RMIT University) developed this as a collaborative cross-disciplinary project between BSWAC, Corrections Victoria and RMIT modelled on RMIT’s educational plan. This paper describes the steps undertaken in this unique process and presents the subsequent evaluation data from the stakeholders. The first step was project scoping with Western Plains Correctional Centre’s staff to develop an understanding of Corrections Victoria’s vision and objectives related to this project. Then, Mr Attia trained the members of BSWAC about ‘Design Thinking in the Context of Criminal Justice: Human-Centred Design and experience management.’ BSWAC members then visited the Western Plains Correctional Centre and observed a role-play of ‘first- time offender reception journey.’ Under the guidance of Mr Attia, BSWAC mapped the first-time offender’s journey, defined key touch points and focus areas, and engaged in ideation and solution screening. Finally, the project outcomes were synthesised, and recommendations were presented to Corrections Victoria. The feedback from the stakeholders was ‘impressive,’ ‘ground-breaking,’ ‘loved the thoughtfulness and considerations of each suggestion.’

Author

• Marietta Martinovic, RMIT University