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A reflection from Jade Malanczak Over the years, I’ve worked in community and stakeholder engagement across a range of contexts—government, industry, not-for-profits, small businesses, and First Nations communities. Each experience has shaped my understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate the complexities of collaboration.
Through trial, error, and a commitment to authenticity, I’ve developed an engagement style that’s inclusive, grounded in lived experience, and focused on practical solutions. At Wander Collective, we call it the Triple D Framework—Deliberative Design Dialogue.
This hybrid approach combines the reflective, consensus-building strengths of deliberative dialogue with the innovation and practicality of design thinking. It’s a framework that I believe delivers the most effective outcomes across the board, from fostering buy-in to creating solutions that genuinely work in the real world (hence the Triple-A rating!).
Why the Triple D Framework Stands Out
What sets the Triple D Framework apart is its ability to adapt to complexity without losing sight of what matters most—authentic engagement and practical results. It’s not about following trends or clinging to buzzwords. It’s about ensuring that the process is inclusive, meaningful, and grounded in real-world needs.
Here’s why I believe this approach works so well:
It centres on lived experience Engagement is most effective when it starts with empathy. Deliberative dialogue allows us to truly understand the perspectives of those involved, whether we’re working with community members, industry leaders, or local businesses.
It’s practical and solution-focused Innovation for its own sake doesn’t move the needle. The design element of the Triple D Framework ensures that every idea is actionable, grounded in reality, and aligned with long-term goals.
It creates ownership and accountability A core part of the framework is about building trust and collaboration. When stakeholders feel heard and see their input reflected in the outcomes, they’re more likely to support and sustain the solutions.
Co-Design: A Foundation, Not a Fad
While co-design has lost some of its sheen in professional jargon, its principles remain vital to the Triple D Framework. True co-design isn’t about ticking boxes or following a template—it’s about shared vision, shared effort, and shared success.
The Triple D Framework builds on this foundation while introducing structure and adaptability, ensuring the process isn’t just collaborative but also effective. It’s not about leaning too heavily on co-design; instead, it’s about integrating its strengths into a broader, more dynamic approach.
A Personal Journey to Finding What Works
Early in my career, I was constantly searching for the “right” way to engage. But over the years, I’ve realised there’s no single formula that works for every context. Engagement is messy. It’s iterative. And it requires flexibility.
Through my work with government, industry, not-for-profits, and First Nations communities, I’ve seen firsthand how the Triple D Framework creates space for genuine dialogue while also moving towards practical, impactful outcomes. It’s authentic, inclusive, and, most importantly, it works.
Let me be clear: You don’t need to label your engagement style for it to be effective. The success of any framework—Triple D or otherwise—lies in its ability to adapt and respond to the specific needs of the situation.
What matters most is your commitment to inclusion, empathy, and solutions that deliver real impact. At Wander Collective, we’ve found that the Triple D Framework achieves this balance, but the name itself isn’t what makes it work.
A Call for Pragmatic Reform
At its core, the Triple D Framework comes from a place of pragmatic reform. It’s about balancing innovation with practicality, vision with action, and inclusion with results. It’s not a theoretical exercise—it’s a process designed to create tangible, meaningful change.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that true engagement isn’t about having the perfect method. It’s about showing up, listening deeply, and creating something better together. Whether you call it Triple D or simply great engagement, the goal remains the same: building solutions that matter and last.
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