John Machacek, Chief Innovation Officer for the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, has worked with countless startups throughout our community over the years. He knows their ups, and their downs, but most of all, he knows the questions to ask them. Here are John Machacek’s 10 questions for Jenny Sheets, founder and social design consultant, Discover Outdoors.
1. While I plan on discussing some things beyond your current business, to start, will you please tell me your Discover Outdoors elevator pitch?
Discover Outdoors is a social design company that builds social infrastructure to strengthen human connections. Pretty much, we want to build a community that brings people together and ends loneliness.
2. How do you define, or what do you mean by, the term “social infrastructure?”
I first learned of this phrase, “social infrastructure,” after I read the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning on “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” His report defines social infrastructure as: “The programs, such as volunteer organizations, sports groups, religious groups, and member associations; policies, like public transportation, housing, and education; and physical elements of a community, such as libraries, parks, green spaces, and playgrounds, that support the development of social connection.”
I agree with all of this, except I want to add the digital space to this as well. We definitely don’t need to spend any more time in the digital space than we already are, but I think it’s a necessary component of building social infrastructure. Like, checking a community calendar for events or joining a meetup online that’s organizing an in-person event.
So, my own definition of social infrastructure is: “The physical and digital facets of community building that bring people together in concentrated and recurring ways to strengthen human connections.” I also included the word “recurring” because I think designing for sustainable, long-term communities is most important.
3. What are some examples of client projects you’ve done or would love to help with?
Two of my favorite clients were North Dakota State University and the City of Moorhead. Both approached me with clear problems that needed solving: wanting to build stronger communities. And, both wanted to disrupt the current systems and methods of doing things and try something new. I was invited into both entities to observe, talk to stakeholders, research, and throw out a bunch of crazy ideas. In fact, at the city of Moorhead, my title was “Resident Weirdo.” Does it get any better than that?
If I think about my dream projects, I’d love to continue to work with cities, colleges, or large organizations who want to unite a specific community for the long term. I’d love to work with park districts to create “wow” experiences that build pride and draw tourism. Like, how cool would it be if we had interactive art installations along the river that were designed to get people to linger and talk to one another? I’d also love to work with a city wanting to drive community engagement to specific areas because then I’d get to combine my passions for arts and culture with community building, as well as economic development. Really, when it comes to building social infrastructure, the opportunities are endless.
