Xavier Pacheco
Industrial Design BDes
UIC School of Design
Specialisms: Design for Social Good / Service Design / Design Research
Location: Chicago, United States
Xavier Pacheco
First Name: Xavier
Last Name: Pacheco
Specialisms: Design for Social Good / Service Design / Design Research
Sectors: Product / Architecture / Interiors / Product / Architecture / Interiors / Product / Architecture / Interiors
My Location: Chicago, United States
University / College: UIC School of Design
Course / Program Title: Industrial Design BDes
About
Design is a catalyst for positively impacting the underrepresented communities of the world. To engage empathy as a tool that unlocks what’s been hidden and is in need of change. Xavier’s serving character paired with his drive to help the often overlooked creates a designer who’s heart guides him to take on challenges that make the world a better place for all. Actively taking the role of a leader who will provide the necessary lens for others to see challenges from a new human centered perspective. Integrity is his principle that guides his heart to discover and design for the daunting social challenges that have spent enough time in the dark.
Addressing the Homeless Community of Chicago
The City of Chicago is home to approximately 2.7 million people. According to the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, roughly 4,500 people were homeless in 2021. In a city that takes pride in the close-knit nature of its communities, why is it that the homeless community is largely overlooked by its citizens? Fueled by the misconception that the homeless are somehow responsible for their plight, due to substance abuse or laziness, the norm is to ignore the homeless asking for support on the street. Worse, there is no public service messaging targeting the homeless to assist them in finding the help they need. AllY is a user-centered support system designed for Chicago's homeless community. The system provides information about nearby resources through infographic support maps and connects them to service locations via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). AllY puts an ally on the streets of Chicago to assist homeless individuals in getting back to where they want to be.