Prompt
As this was a Designathon, we were given the prompt as follows:
Affinity Mapping
Let’s look at some of our compiled interview data:
Interviews
So we interviewed 4 people to gain insight about projects. We asked questions about:
How they started their side projects
What kept them motivated
Challenges they experienced
There are so many people starting projects, but so many of them have failed! It was crucial for us to understand why so many of them encounter obstacles leading to failure. So we explored more qualitative aspects that influence these people by conducting...
We thought this prompt was WAAAY too broad but we explored all options presented to us. Here are some things we found:
There are resources for everything except for projects
Networking = LinkedIn
Jobs = Indeed/Glassdoor
But Projects = ?
48H Left
44H Left
Secondary Research
Next, we got to work to understand the current problems people are facing with their side projects. And we found:
40H Left
Tools:
Figma
Figjam
Team:
4 designers
My Role:
Design lead!
Wireframing
Prototyping
Research
Design System
Timeline
48 hours
Too long; don’t wanna read!
ProjectPals is a Designathon idea that we made for individuals who are into side projects to find like-minded people who want to work on this projects together. It provides ideas and connects one another.
Create a versatile solution that empowers job seekers or independent workers to find purposeful projects, cultivate meaningful networks, and navigate the intricacies of the current job market. The proposed solution should include the use of emerging technologies (such as generative AI).
70%
of tech employees have started a new side project since the pandemic
>50%
of these projects fail or haven’t been completed
Problem Space
We so found our new problem space:
There are a lack of virtual spaces for people interested in side projects, both professionally and personally, as they struggle to find resources and connect with others.
Affinity Mapping - Themes:
Here are some of the main themes we found:
People struggled to find or implement ideas
People prefer to work collaboratively with individuals but struggle to find people with similar interests
People will do side projects that align with their interests and goals
Pain Points:
Motivations:
Behaviours:
In the end we decided to focus on:
People struggled to find or implement ideas
Why?
Most amount of pain points
Other themes were also closely related to ideation
Can’t collaborate or explore your interests if you don’t have a place to start!
Day 2: 30H Left
How Might We...
Design a platform that helps people interested in side projects find and implement their ideas, while facilitating project ideation and connection amongst the community?
User Flow
We then created a user flow as follows:
Sketches
Here are some of the rough sketches we created for ideation:
Home Screen:
Teams Screen:
Ideation Screen
Final Sketches
We compiled and discussed what exactly we liked and wanted to include for our final screens
20H Left
Branding & Colour Palette
Then we tried to capture the adjectives and essence of these adjectives with these colours:
fun
playful
encouraging
bright
motivating
inspirational
Bedtime!
We all went our separate ways to head to bed for the night.
Bedtime!
We all went our separate ways to head to bed for the final night.
5H Left
Logo
We created a logo with :
puzzle pieces which shows collaboration
lightbulb for idea generation
and used our chosen colours in the logos
ProjectPals
2H Left!
Colour Injection
Finally, we were able to make high-fidelity screens just in the nick of time!
View Full Prototype Here
0H Left!
What is the result?
People wanting to create side projects now have a space to ideate, find resources and connect with others about their interests!
18H Left
Typography
We utilized Inter throughout the design as it’s:
Sans-serif which is easy to read, playful vibes
Modern look which fits target demographic
Persona
Ava
Age: 20
Occupation:
Student
Pain Points:
Struggles to find new ideas for side projects
Can’t find people who want to make side projects in the same niche as her
Doesn’t know how to start with ideas
Motivations:
Tries to work on projects with others
Attentive to emerging technologies and global events
Behaviours:
Wants to explore their interests
Energized by working with others
Wants to get experience
Where ideas converge and collaborations spark.
ProjectPals
