Hub@Goethe Platform
HUB@GOETHE is a mentorship programme for cultural and social entrepreneurs who have great ideas with a lot of potential. The Programme focuses on real-life business development from envisioning to pivoting, and it includes different formats of learning in its in-depth curriculum.
MY ROLE
RESULTS
I have created screens that support the flows of 2 of the basic features - adding new hubbers, and task monitoring.
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I'm a Hub@Goethe Alumni who has experienced the program.
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Exploring the gaps and opportunities for improving the experience of the programme.
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Researching and finding inspiration for tools that the platform could use.
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Creating wireframes and prototypes.
THE EXPERIENCE
I have been so fortunate to be part of the 2020 cohort in this amazing programme. I learned so much about business, problem-solving, and myself through the programme.
For 2020 the programme had to be done virtually due to Covid 19 and the lockdown. And that's where the opportunity exists - I believe this programme deserves to have its own digital platform. During the feedback sessions, I listened to everyone's concerns and took notes of what everyone had to say about the experience.
THE DOUBLE DIAMOND
This was my next project after I had learned a bit more as a Ux designer - and I loved how well the double diamond lends itself to exploring problems in-depth. With this tool, I also used Ideo's Empathy Map template - it actually is very thorough. I love how it guided me into understanding the user(s).
One of the discoveries I made during the process, was that while the platform has many intended user profiles, the most important is Sibongile. She is the programme's "mother". Her role here is the most important in delivering a memorable experience every year.
I am making the notes on this research and exploration phase available in-case you want to geek-out with me. Download Notes.
THE PROTOTYPE
As you can see with the above gallery, I had some fun with scissors and glue. The paper prototypes gave me an opportunity to think about some of the interactions for the user in the platform.
I realized how robust the platform could be, and so I decided to design screens that are specific to our main user - Sibongile. I made a process where she can add new hubbers to the programme, as well as monitor who is involved in tasks and who has completed the task.
Although there are many more screens that are needed to finish the prototype, I enjoyed creating the interactions for these first few. I actually plan on pitching the platform to Goethe Institut once more.
LESSONS LEARNED
The main thing I am taking out of this project is; you have to follow your ideas and visions fearlessly. Allow yourself to explore the possibilities and opportunities they present. And you most definitely gotta have fun while doing it - it's compulsory!
1. User journeys and site maps - those are king
2. In the initial stages, prioritize one or two features.
3. Sometimes the brand colors won't work - adapt them.
