Page 26 - Marcela Lima
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Prototyping
Additionally, it could also include a public resource hub I created the following hypothesis using the format: 4.1. User Flow The goal of the prototyping phase was to test and refine the
with all supports available in Ireland for SEs. Making this • The solution needs to be user-friendly, main assumptions outlined in the hypothesis: that a more
information accessible to everyone, not just members, simple, and intuitive as social entrepreneurs (Proposed solution) We believe that by redesigning the Alice is a Brazilian entrepreneur structured, accessible, and collaborative SERI website
could help expand the platform’s reach and support across are already overwhelmed with tasks and SERI website to include a clear, structured framework, living in Cork. She founded would better support social entrepreneurs through growth
the sector. have limited time. The redesign will add centralised resources, and peer connection opportunities, “Migrant Maker,” a social and change.
these aspects to the website and bring enterprise supporting migrant
With that in mind, my idea shifted to the redesign of SERI’s more resources to make the life of social (Definition of success) we will reduce barriers to women with training, mentorship, I began by mapping the user flow and building a site map
website, rather than building a new platform from scratch. entrepreneurs easier. collaboration and help social enterprises navigate change and entrepreneurship. Navigating to establish the key journeys and information structure. This
The focus is on applying interaction design principles to and grow sustainably complex systems, grant was followed by low-fidelity prototyping using sketches and
make the website more user-friendly, better organised, and • Collaboration is a key element - not only applications, and regulations wireframes in Figma.
easier to navigate. Improving the user experience could to support the enterprise itself but also (Evidence & data) because we know that social as a migrant is overwhelming.
help the platform reach and support more SEs across to reduce the personal isolation. SERI enterprises thrive when they have accessible guidance, Sarah needs trusted, centralised While user testing is a key part of this process, time limitations
Ireland, while also encouraging more people to use the already offers platforms like PeerX and an shared knowledge, and feel part of a connected ecosystem resources and opportunities for and unforeseen challenges impacted this phase. I got early
tools, resources, and the community SERI already offers. active WhatsApp community. Adding new - yet many currently face time constraints, fragmented collaboration. feedback from SERI, who responded positively to the new
features, like an events page, could further information, and isolation. logo and structural direction, though detailed input on the
Idea Selection increase opportunities for SEs to connect. site map and visuals was delayed. I also spent longer than
challenge for many SEs, especially in “
planned refining the brand identity, as I was not happy with the
• Affordability – Generating income is a We believe that by redesigning the SERI initial results as it was not reflecting the vision for the brand.
From all three ideas, the SERI website redesign was the website to include a clear, structured framework, That along with a period of illness, significantly reduced the
most feasible within the scope of this project. It also offered the early stages. Ensuring that valuable centralised resources, and peer connection time available for mid-fidelity development.
an exciting opportunity to create something that could be resources are accessible outside the opportunities, we will reduce barriers to
used in real life and have a real impact. This aligned with members area would expand support to a collaboration and help social enterprises navigate Additionally, this was my first time using Figma and desigining
the original goal of my project - to combine my interests wider audience change and grow sustainably because we know that a complex website, so I had to learn how to use the tool while
in social innovation and design to create an interaction social enterprises thrive when they have accessible building the prototype. This made the process slower and
design tool that supports changemakers, helps them grow guidance, shared knowledge, and feel part of a more challenging. Because of that, I decided to skip the mid-
sustainably, and amplifies the impact of their work. connected ecosystem - yet many currently face fidelity stage and move straight to a high-fidelity prototype.
The ideation process helped visualise a range of possibilities, time constraints, fragmented information, and Even though I couldn’t do early user testing, this approach
This idea also answers key insights gained from the and this final concept was selected for its practicality, isolation. ” allowed me to focus on building a complete and polished
personas and scenarios and help to define key features for alignment with user needs, and potential for real-world Sarah runs “ReWear,” a fashion- version, which I tested later to get feedback.
the redesign: impact. focused social enterprise in Dublin.
Before moving into the redesign phase, I audited SERI’s
Hypothesis current brand and website to identify what’s working She repurposes discarded textiles and
partners with charity shops, but faces
and where improvements are needed. This helped
shape a more user-friendly, engaging, and supportive logistical challenges and brand trust
Based on the findings from the Discover and Define phases, platform (See full audit document here). issues.
Process Book Develop 27
