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Revolutionizing the professional identity development of creative entrepreneurs
Jun 2022 - Aug 2022
Solo.
Internship @ Carnegie Mellon University
Human-Computer Interaction Institute
UX Researcher
UX/UI Designer
UI Engineer
Entrepreneurship and side hustle have been a popular trend in the U.S. and have become important drivers of the domestic economy. This project focuses on creative entrepreneurs, a special sub-group among entrepreneurs in general due to the conflict between the artistic identity and the money-making identity. Our goal is to help creative entrepreneurs adapt their professional identities more easily and get the support they need.
This project was an embodiment of a complete design process. Delving deep into primary and secondary research, I was able to extract invaluable information that was critical in shaping the app's direction and feature set. Recognizing the importance of an evidence-based design, I ensured that all features enrich the overall user experience while being seamlessly functional. Lastly, I leverage Figma as a tool in designing the user interface, focusing on aesthetics, accessibility, and usability, resulting in a visually pleasing and user-friendly application.
Introduce the concept of "Explorers", "Weather", and "North Star" in the CheerPeer app to users, allowing them to have a gamified experience using the app.
Allow users to reflect on core values, define North Stars, rate the alignment between themselves and their aspired identities, and finally make plans to pursue North Star.
Help users engage in daily/weekly journaling to record their emotions, reflect on the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey, and pivot in pursuing North Stars.
Encourage users to engage in feedback exchange and get social support, explore groups with category/location/choose mixer groups, and find accountability buddies in the community.
Creative and sole-proprietary entrepreneurs who work alone struggle with forming their professional identity and feel lack of social support
Maker spaces and incubator provide social support in local communities, but these physical spaces are not always available or accessible
Self-reflection, interaction with others, and definition of core values are key drivers that help entrepreneurs build their own entrepreneurial identities and act entrepreneurial.
“I believe that in learning how others view certain titles, it can assist with which identities I'd want to associate with myself.”
“I know that I need to develop my own professional identity. But honestly, I don’t know where to start and what to do. And I think the process might be too challenging for me...”
How can we design a mobile application for on-the-go creative entrepreneurs to develop their professional identities and get more social support throughout their journey?
Reflecting on the feedback from my interviews with creative entrepreneurs at Prototype PGH, where many expressed that the notion of professional identity development seemed daunting and complex, I was motivated to incorporate elements of gamification into the app's user experience. In the CheerPeer app, users are cast as explorers, navigating their path with the guidance of north stars, symbolizing their goals and aspirations.
I received positive feedback from end users that this thematic approach resonates well with them. Many found this narrative setting engaging and less intimidating, which suggests that the gamification strategy has effectively demystified the process of professional identity development, making it more accessible and enjoyable.
The design rationale draws on the concept of the Inclusion of Other in the Self from social psychology. In the context of using CheerPeer, "self" refers to the user's current state, while "other" represents the ideal state the user aspires to become. In addition to the conventional 5-point scale, the addition of a Venn diagram allows users to better visualize the process of their professional identity development and observe their gradual transformation into their ideal professional identities.
In crafting the user interface for the community feature, I strategically positioned the comment button to be more prominent than the like button. This subtle design decision is intended to gently encourage users towards more meaningful engagement, such as exchanging feedback and fostering social interactions, rather than simply expressing passive approval. By doing so, the design aims to cultivate a richer, more interactive community environment that prioritizes dialogue and connection among users.
This internship is a Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) Program at Carnegie Mellon University Human-Computer Interaction Institute. Initially, I had envisioned a clear path toward my research objectives, but the reality of research soon unveiled its unpredictable nature. Encountering unforeseen challenges, from sourcing materials to amending methodologies, was initially overwhelming. However, these challenges became pivotal moments of growth. I learned the value of perseverance, innovative problem-solving, and seeking guidance/feedback from peers and mentors when necessary.
Besides, my internship role presented me with an intriguing blend of academic research and UI/UX design, bridging the gap between theoretical constructs and their real-world implications. Previously, in my UI/UX design projects, I rarely utilized academic articles as avenues for brainstorming innovative features. However, my recent exposure to academic research during my internship has opened my eyes to a different perspective. It fascinated me how academic theories and research findings could directly influence and transform the face of mobile application design. Integrating academic insights with UI/UX design principles allows me to devise creative solutions that cater to user needs in a more unique and effective manner.
Yasmine Kotturi, Pranav Khadpe, Erin Gatz, Chinmay Kulkarni, and PROTOTYPE PGH