Email:
arudakova.des@gmail.com
Email:
arudakova.des@gmail.com
arudakova.des@gmail.com
Co-op: Creative Social Service
Co-op: Creative Social Service
Co-op: Creative Social Service
Founder and UX Designer
Founder and UX Designer
Founder and UX Designer
Stage
Stage
Development 🥳
Development 🥳
Development 🥳
What I did:
What I did:
UX Research, UI, Branding, Team Management
UX Research, UI, Branding, Team Management
UX Research, UI, Branding, Team Management
Explore the Process
Explore the Process
(20 SECOND OVERVIEW)
(20 SECOND OVERVIEW)
(20 SECOND OVERVIEW)
Co-Op is a social networking platform that connects creatives across disciplines to collaborate on passion projects.
The app is designed to empower entry-level creatives, newcomers, and career pivoters to share ideas, build portfolios, and find like-minded collaborators.
Co-Op is a social networking platform that connects creatives across disciplines to collaborate on passion projects.
The app is designed to empower entry-level creatives, newcomers, and career pivoters to share ideas, build portfolios, and find like-minded collaborators.
Co-Op is a social networking platform that connects creatives across disciplines to collaborate on passion projects.
The app is designed to empower entry-level creatives, newcomers, and career pivoters to share ideas, build portfolios, and find like-minded collaborators.
Highlights of the Home page
Click on each screen to experience the match-making flows!
Or open Figma for quicker loading time here.
Flow of Two Users Finding Each Other
Users will never feel left in the dark during their creative endevours, thanks to Co-Op's creative community!
It's like Reddit, but for creatives! Here is a quick flow of how a user can submit an inquiry or gather feedback on their work:
Users will never feel left in the dark during their creative endevours, thanks to Co-Op's creative community!
I built this app to make creative collaboration feel human, intuitive, and easy to access—whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out.
I built this app to make creative collaboration feel human, intuitive, and easy to access, whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out.
I built this app to make creative collaboration feel human, intuitive, and easy to access—whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out.
Currently, Co-Op is under development.
We are on the look-out for funding opportunities!
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
Full Process /
5 minute read
(CONTEXT AND INSPIRATION)
(CONTEXT AND INSPIRATION)
(CONTEXT AND INSPIRATION)
The heart of Co-Op lies in a story: my dad’s journey.
He’s a VFX Supervisor at Sony now, but back in the '90s, pursuing a creative career was nearly impossible where he lived (small town in Tajikistan).
The heart of Co-Op lies in a story: my dad’s journey.
He’s a VFX Supervisor at Sony now, but back in the '90s, pursuing a creative career was nearly impossible where he lived (small town in Tajikistan).
The heart of Co-Op lies in a story: my dad’s journey.
He’s a VFX Supervisor at Sony now, but back in the '90s, pursuing a creative career was nearly impossible where he lived (small town in Tajikistan).
Without formal education or access, he self-taught, learned English to translate animation books, and volunteered on passion projects to build his career.
Without formal education or access, he self-taught, learned English to translate animation books, and volunteered on passion projects to build his career.
Without formal education or access, he self-taught, learned English to translate animation books, and volunteered on passion projects to build his career.
Early Startup Days
Early Startup Days
Self-learning
Self-learning
His story sparked a question that stayed with me:
His story sparked a question that stayed with me:
His story sparked a question that stayed with me:
What if the next generation of creatives could have a more accessible, community-powered platform to make their dreams real?
What if the next generation of creatives could have a more accessible, community-powered platform to make their dreams real?
What if the next generation of creatives could have a more accessible, community-powered platform to make their dreams real?
That's where the idea for Co-Op was born.
That's where the idea for Co-Op was born.
That's where the idea for Co-Op was born.
A social networking app where creatives can find collaborators, pitch projects, and build portfolios—designed for entry-level talent, immigrants, and self-taught artists who are ready to create.
A social networking app where creatives can find collaborators, pitch projects, and build portfolios—designed for entry-level talent, immigrants, and self-taught artists who are ready to create.
A social networking app where creatives can find collaborators, pitch projects, and build portfolios—designed for entry-level talent, immigrants, and self-taught artists who are ready to create.
(GAP IN THE MARKET)
(GAP IN THE MARKET)
(GAP IN THE MARKET)
Firstly, upon analyzing the market, it became clear that platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed aren’t built for creative collaboration.
They emphasize rigid, professional resumes, not the nuance of passion, soft skills, or visual storytelling.
Firstly, upon analyzing the market, it became clear that platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed aren’t built for creative collaboration.
They emphasize rigid, professional resumes, not the nuance of passion, soft skills, or visual storytelling.
Firstly, upon analyzing the market, it became clear that platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed aren’t built for creative collaboration.
They emphasize rigid, professional resumes, not the nuance of passion, soft skills, or visual storytelling.
Indeed
Indeed
Indeed
“Hiring” instead of “Collaborating” Dynamic.
No place for visuals/project pitches
Recruiter is usually not a creative.
“Hiring” instead of “Collaborating” Dynamic.
No place for visuals/project pitches
Recruiter is usually not a creative.
“Hiring” instead of “Collaborating” Dynamic.
No place for visuals/project pitches
Recruiter is usually not a creative.
Behance
Behance
Behance
No hub to showcase project proposals.
Primarily portfolio focused.
Hard for entry-level creatives to find one another.
No hub to showcase project proposals.
Primarily portfolio focused.
Hard for entry-level creatives to find one another.
No hub to showcase project proposals.
Primarily portfolio focused.
Hard for entry-level creatives to find one another.
No way to filter contributors based on work style/discipline.
One-way recruitment initiated by company.
Lacks visuals for project pitching.
No way to filter contributors based on work style/discipline.
One-way recruitment initiated by company.
Lacks visuals for project pitching.
No way to filter contributors based on work style/discipline.
One-way recruitment initiated by company.
Lacks visuals for project pitching.
(RESEARCH METHODS)
(RESEARCH METHODS)
(RESEARCH METHODS)
Secondly, I wanted to speak to the creatives themselves. I gathered insights from a total of 52 folks (yes this was absolutely my favourite part), from a span of 12 creative industries:
Secondly, I wanted to speak to the creatives themselves. I gathered insights from a total of 52 folks (yes this was absolutely my favourite part), from a span of 12 creative industries:
Secondly, I wanted to speak to the creatives themselves. I gathered insights from a total of 52 folks (yes this was absolutely my favourite part), from a span of 12 creative industries:
Industries of Interviewed Users
Industries of Interviewed Users
Industries of Interviewed Users
I used a total of 3 data collection methods along with hosting a workshop, as I prefer to start with broad problem identification and ending with specific feature-centered insights.
I used a total of 3 data collection methods along with hosting a workshop, as I prefer to start with broad problem identification and ending with specific feature-centered insights.
I used a total of 3 data collection methods along with hosting a workshop, as I prefer to start with broad problem identification and ending with specific feature-centered insights.
Data Gathering Methods
Data Gathering Methods
Data Gathering Methods
The "Reciept"of ResearchMethods
The "Reciept"of ResearchMethods
The " Receipt of Research Methods"
(SURVEY RESPONSES)
(SURVEY RESPONSES)
(SURVEY RESPONSES)
Survey responses pointed to a large divide in preference of work.
Analog creatives didn’t express a huge need, while media and tech creatives validated the idea immensely
Survey responses pointed to a large divide in preference of work.
Analog creatives didn’t express a huge need, while media and tech creatives validated the idea immensely
Survey responses pointed to a large divide in preference of work.
Analog creatives didn’t express a huge need, while media and tech creatives validated the idea immensely
To showcase findings comprehensively, I organized them into a priority list.
All groups said they value getting experience. But levels of urgency and need for collaboration highly varied.
To showcase findings comprehensively, I organized them into a priority list.
Research Results: Creative Industries most in need of Co-op.
Research Results: Creative Industries most in need of Co-op.
Ranking: industries most in need of Co-Op
94%
of all responders expressed a desire to start their own passion project.
So what is getting in their way?
All groups said they value getting experience. But levels of urgency and need for collaboration highly varied.
To showcase findings comprehensively, I organized them into a priority list.
(INTERVIEW RESPONSES)
(INTERVIEW RESPONSES)
(INTERVIEW RESPONSES)
Upon surveying, I discovered that the types of creatives who would benefit most from my app are those working in tech.
The next step was to interview these potential users, and to dive deep into what exactly stands in the way of them starting their passion projects.
Here were the biggest insights:
Upon surveying, I discovered that the types of creatives who would benefit most from my app are those working in tech.
The next step was to interview these potential users, and to dive deep into what exactly stands in the way of them starting their passion projects.
Here were the biggest insights:
Upon surveying, I discovered that the types of creatives who would benefit most from my app are those working in tech.
The next step was to interview these potential users, and to dive deep into what exactly stands in the way of them starting their passion projects.
Here were the biggest insights:
Interview insights
Interview insights
Interview Insights
If you are curious about the details of my research process,check out the full interview breakdown and data analysis in my Figma slide deck below!
If you are curious about the details of my research process,check out the full interview breakdown and data analysis in my Figma slide deck below!
If you are curious about the details of my research process,check out the full interview breakdown and data analysis in my Figma slide deck below!
(SYSTEM BUILDING)
(SYSTEM BUILDING)
(SYSTEM BUILDING)
Upon speaking with creatives, two primary user groups emerged:
Project Creators
Project Creators
Project Creators
Visionaries who want to start a project but feel overwhelmed by how to pitch or recruit.
Visionaries who want to start a project but feel overwhelmed by how to pitch or recruit.
Project Contributors
Project Contributors
Project Contributors
Eager creatives who want to work on something exciting but feel intimidated by portfolio requirements.
Eager creatives who want to work on something exciting but feel intimidated by portfolio requirements.
(WIREFRAMING)
(WIREFRAMING)
(WIREFRAMING)
I believe that best feedback comes when users are having fun. When presenting my wireframes to my testing users, I showcased multiple navigation flows in a poster format.
I believe that best feedback comes when users are having fun. When presenting my wireframes to my testing users, I showcased multiple navigation flows in a poster format.
I believe that best feedback comes when users are having fun. When presenting my wireframes to my testing users, I showcased multiple navigation flows in a poster format.
Prototype Screens Poster (with 3 options)
Prototype Screens Poster (with 3 options)
Prototype Screens Poster (with 3 options)
Prototype Feedback
(with Stickers!)
Printed Posters
Printed Posters
(LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING)
(LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING)
(LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING)
I designed the initial prototype to focus on the bare-bones of: pitching a project idea, creating a profile, and discovering creatives.
(LOW-FIDELITY TESTING)
(LOW-FIDELITY TESTING)
(LOW-FIDELITY TESTING)
Low-fidelity user testing was conducted through two methods: interviews alongside Kano style sheets.
I love using Kano-style testing, which uses scale-based questionnaires, allowing for quantitative data gathering. This makes analysis and feature prioritization much easier!
Low-fidelity user testing was conducted through two methods: interviews alongside Kano style sheets.
I love using Kano-style testing, which uses scale-based questionnaires, allowing for quantitative data gathering. This makes analysis and feature prioritization much easier!
Low-fidelity user testing was conducted through two methods: interviews alongside Kano style sheets.
I love using Kano-style testing, which uses scale-based questionnaires, allowing for quantitative data gathering. This makes analysis and feature prioritization much easier!
Kano-Style User Test Form
Kano-Style User Test Form
Kano-Style User Test Form
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
(ANALYSIS)
(ANALYSIS)
(ANALYSIS)
After analyzing hundreds of insights from interviews and kano-worksheet insights, I plotted the most in-demand user needs into the priority matrixchart:
Kano Style Model Insights
Kano Style Model Insights
Kano Style Model Insights
What this chart emphasizes is that for the next design iteration, focus is to be placed on features that both delight users, and meet their essential needs.
(MID FIDELITY PROTOTYPE)
(MID FIDELITY PROTOTYPE)
(MID FIDELITY PROTOTYPE)
New Feature #1
As a contributor, creating an in-app portfolio takes less than a minute!
Users can start seeking opportunities with no procrastination.
New Feature #1
As a contributor, creating an in-app portfolio takes less than a minute!
Users can start seeking opportunities with no procrastination.
New Feature #2
As a creator, users can ensure their pitch is engaging and easy to edit together!
They receive step-by-step guidance.
New Feature #2
As a creator, users can ensure their pitch is engaging and easy to edit together!
They receive step-by-step guidance.
New Feature #3
Lastly, it was vital that Co-Op puts emphasis on security for all users:
New Feature #3
Lastly, it was vital that Co-Op puts emphasis on security for all users:
New Feature #3
Lastly, it was vital that Co-Op puts emphasis on security for all users:
New Feature #3
Lastly, it was vital that Co-Op puts emphasis on security for all users:
(MID-FIDELITY SITEMAPPING)
(MID-FIDELITY SITEMAPPING)
(MID-FIDELITY SITEMAPPING)
The sitemap has gone through obsessive iteration with each round of design, my goal was to streamline navigation for both contributors and creators to make matchmaking feel intuitive and playful.
Information Architecture is an obsession of mine (click here to read about my talk at the Information Architecture Conference)!
(BRANDING IDEATION)
(BRANDING IDEATION)
(BRANDING IDEATION)
I wanted to encapsulate the feeling of novelty and playfulness that would resonate with my target creative demographic.
Thus, my UI featured gradient colours in its backgrounds, lots of playful animations, combined with modern typography.
I wanted to encapsulate the feeling of novelty and playfulness that would resonate with my target creative demographic.
Thus, my UI featured gradient colours in its backgrounds, lots of playful animations, combined with modern typography.
I wanted to encapsulate the feeling of novelty and playfulness that would resonate with my target creative demographic.
Thus, my UI featured gradient colours in its backgrounds, lots of playful animations, combined with modern typography.
(SYSTEM DESIGN)
(SYSTEM DESIGN)
(SYSTEM DESIGN)
Taking the gradient background into account was a major accessibility consideration. Thus, the majority of me components accounted for dark and light background options. The icons and buttons were treated with glassmorphism effects to stay true to the brand identity.
Taking the gradient background into account was a major accessibility consideration. Thus, the majority of me components accounted for dark and light background options. The icons and buttons were treated with glassmorphism effects to stay true to the brand identity.
Taking the gradient background into account was a major accessibility consideration. Thus, the majority of me components accounted for dark and light background options. The icons and buttons were treated with glassmorphism effects to stay true to the brand identity.
(USER-FEEDBACK)
(USER-FEEDBACK)
(USER-FEEDBACK)
Through the testing, many users verbally emphasized the need for Co-Op to have a creative community to ask questions and gather feedback.
Which made for a great secondary feature to add before the final hand-off!
Through the testing, many users verbally emphasized the need for Co-Op to have a creative community to ask questions and gather feedback.
Which made for a great secondary feature to add before the final hand-off!
Through the testing, many users verbally emphasized the need for Co-Op to have a creative community to ask questions and gather feedback.
Which made for a great secondary feature to add before the final hand-off!
Co-Op Community page user Flow
Co-Op Community page user Flow
Co-Op Community page user Flow
(FINAL DESIGN)
(FINAL DESIGN)
(FINAL DESIGN)
This project reflects everything I value as a designer:
Empathy, clarity, & collaboration!
This project reflects everything I value as a designer:
Empathy, clarity,
& collaboration!
This project reflects everything I value as a designer:
Empathy,
clarity, & collaboration!