Thinking Outside the Box: Design and Demand for Those in Need

A defining feature of Mothership Branding as a service is consultancy. Often the need is not for someone to do the work on a client's behalf, but for simple, valuable advice and the training to bridge the gaps in digital and creative skills, so that they can carry on with the work themselves and ultimately gain independence.

One of the most important aspects of delivering training is inclusivity, specifically the removal of barriers and the showing of equity towards all learners. Just as important is understanding the capabilities of the people you are teaching, then tailoring the training experience to their needs.

It is therefore vital that the experience is a valuable one for learners with learning disabilities. That is why I, captain of the Mothership, have chosen to make a difference by teaching for Outside the Box.

More Than Just a Café

The OTB (Outside the Box) charity was established to bring innovative support to people with autism and/or learning disabilities. It operates not only as a café, but as a hub for life and work skills development through the 'OTB Choices' programme.

As a former member of the Outside the Box café during my college years, their support was instrumental to my growth as somebody diagnosed with autism. Now I am choosing to return the favour by bringing my skills back to the community, helping to identity where I can add the most value.

A Need for Guidance

There will always be a need for consultancy in the up-skilling and re-skilling of digital tools, simply because technology advances at such a rapid pace.

As a culture, we take for granted how complex a computer can be to use, a struggle that extends even to those who are proficient with touchscreen smartphones and tablets. The same goes for adjusting to contactless payment, smart TVs, kiosks, ATMs, ticket machines and so on.

What all of this means is change, and dealing with change is one of the largest sources of stress for people with autism and learning difficulties. By teaching digital skills at OTB, the curriculum aims to ease that stress, introducing learners slowly and gently to emerging tools and technologies so they can bring the digital landscape into their personal lives as a form of self-expression, supported throughout by time-saving advice they can trust.

Listen to Understand

This is the most important principle when communicating with anybody, but especially with those who have learning disabilities.

The primary objective of hosting these digital skills sessions is to make sure the learners are happy. It is vital not to force new knowledge or a fast-moving curriculum onto them, as they will quickly become frustrated. The process requires patience, empathy and understanding.

In an age where education can be accessed remotely online, physical learning environments must make the most of their spaces by being welcoming, reliable and fun, and by filling them with opportunities to socialise and make new friends. That is a crucial part of providing a safe space for people who are prone to anxiety and overstimulation in their daily lives.

That mindset is the key to innovating the way we support the people who need it most.

How Mothership Can Help

Mothership Branding appeals strongly to the 'Third Sector' sweet spot in the market, and charities are a significant part of that.

Our approach to branding and digital marketing prioritises design philosophies and experiences that are inclusive to a wide range of clients and customers, including the Outside the Box community, as part of an agile and responsive partnership.

Please get in touch if you would like to be involved with the Mothership Mission and receive tailored support for your brand, particularly if you work with owner-managed enterprises, start-ups, SMEs, community-centric organisations, CICs, and charities as previously mentioned.

We’re open to exploring all-inclusive opportunities and adding value wherever our ideas and creativity can help, with design and marketing on demand.