The Living Lab: Instructional Design Interventions to Improve Communication and Equity in Federal Housing Programs
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
The Living Lab is a 25-year longitudinal ethnographic study (2001–present) investigating how instructional design strategies can streamline administrative processes, enhance communication, and advance housing equity within the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Drawing on sustained participation, the research identifies two primary systemic barriers: the federally mandated 15-day inspection period and incomplete Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packets. To address these issues, the project developed the RFTA Roadmap—a zero-cost, clarity-driven communication tool that embeds sequential instructions directly within procedural workflows, mitigating the Split-Attention Effect and cognitive “Bandwidth Tax” associated with standard 20-page federal packets. Preliminary findings indicate that such low-resource interventions increase voucher-holder agency and improve navigation of complex program requirements. Building on this evidence, the forthcoming graduate-level research phase (2027–2029) will modernize the Annual Recertification Packet through digitization and Plain Language integration, converting paper-based processes into accessible digital formats. This stage will assess whether these reforms produce sustainable, mutually beneficial outcomes for tenants, landlords, and housing agency staff. The study’s ultimate goal is to inform policy-level recommendations on instructional design innovations that reduce processing times, improve procedural clarity, and expand equitable program access.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. David Robledo; Dr. Adam Atwell
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
drobledo@odu.edu; aatwell@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
English; Educational Leadership and Workforce Development
College/School Affiliation
Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Student Level Group
Undergraduate
Presentation Type
Poster
The Living Lab: Instructional Design Interventions to Improve Communication and Equity in Federal Housing Programs
The Living Lab is a 25-year longitudinal ethnographic study (2001–present) investigating how instructional design strategies can streamline administrative processes, enhance communication, and advance housing equity within the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Drawing on sustained participation, the research identifies two primary systemic barriers: the federally mandated 15-day inspection period and incomplete Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packets. To address these issues, the project developed the RFTA Roadmap—a zero-cost, clarity-driven communication tool that embeds sequential instructions directly within procedural workflows, mitigating the Split-Attention Effect and cognitive “Bandwidth Tax” associated with standard 20-page federal packets. Preliminary findings indicate that such low-resource interventions increase voucher-holder agency and improve navigation of complex program requirements. Building on this evidence, the forthcoming graduate-level research phase (2027–2029) will modernize the Annual Recertification Packet through digitization and Plain Language integration, converting paper-based processes into accessible digital formats. This stage will assess whether these reforms produce sustainable, mutually beneficial outcomes for tenants, landlords, and housing agency staff. The study’s ultimate goal is to inform policy-level recommendations on instructional design innovations that reduce processing times, improve procedural clarity, and expand equitable program access.