Design Club
role
UX UI, Research, Web Design, Branding, Graphic Design
tools
Figma, Adobe CC
year
Nov 2023
01. The Problem
The client's goal was to promote community among creatives at Santa Monica College. After the pandemic, in-person classes started to return, but social skills were severely impacted. The goal was to create a central place for students to meet other like-minded peers and promote community through events and activities.
How might we create community at Santa Monica College for design students?
02. Research
The best way to design for a specific community is to get involved. Utilizing Emotion mapping through 3 user interviews with current Center for Media and Design students, I was able to uncover insights into the pain points students feel during a semester. Work-life balance is a common struggle among students that directly impacts the sense of community and confidence needed to reach out to other students. To create a holistic solution, I crafted a user persona that embodies the interestes, motivations, and friction points of creative students at CMD.
03. Approach
To begin the design process, I analyzed the current branding and identity of the SMC Design Club for opportunities to expand its reach. Afterward, I outlined the site architecture to prep the wireframing phase. Lastly, I created a prototype to pitch to SMC board members to get buy-in and begin development.
The solution to foster community among design students came to life through a centralized website that pulled together all intersections of design being offered. By creating a niche but broad enough focus group, design students will be able to discover commonalities in adjacent disciplines rather than just direct peers. This will expand the possibilities and chances of connection for lasting relationships and creative flow.
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