Page 27 - 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.



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