Based on your life experience, skills and interests, what would a design process that is both uniquely yours and effective look like?

My design process would be a combination of indigenous knowledge and cradle to cradle design.  My indigenous knowledge that I have gained from my years of life would impact any decisions that I will make in my own design process, and cradle to cradle design would allow for the most sustainable process that would mimic nature and reduce waste as much as possible.

How will you validate your project concept, technology, usability, operational / business model?

I would validate my business model with the results and efficiency of my design.  I believe that if you can prove how effective your model is with the results that you can produce.  If you need to validate your project before results can be achieved I think it is important to have a fully developed idea that is ready to be implemented.  All possibilities should be thought through and varies different methods should be ready to use if your first one fails.

Articulate your philosophy of engagement with communities, partners, and markets.

If the community sees your believe and enthusiasm in your project concept they will also become engaged.  Most importantly if you have good intentions for your project you will keep that engagement.