Case Study: Vanscend - Empowering Entrepreneurs for Success
Overview
This case study focuses on Vanscend, a platform founded by Dave Garvey, a social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. Vanscend aims to assist individuals from disadvantaged and underdog backgrounds in harnessing the power of entrepreneurship to achieve success and create a positive impact. This case study explores the UX design process and strategies employed to empower entrepreneurs through the Vanscend platform.
Project Details
- Duration: Ongoing project
- Role: Lead UX Designer
- Design Tools: Adobe XD, Figma, Miro
Problem Statement
Entrepreneurship can provide purpose and transform lives, especially for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, accessing the right resources, guidance, and networks can be challenging, limiting their potential for success. Vanscend sought to address these barriers and empower aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.
Solution
Vanscend created a platform to assist individuals from underdog backgrounds in discovering the right blend of entrepreneurship, business, and life to achieve success. By providing tailored resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Vanscend aims to empower entrepreneurs to create a positive impact and eventually give back to others in need.
User Goals
- Aspiring entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds: Access the necessary resources, mentorship, and networks to start and grow successful businesses.
- Users seeking purpose-driven entrepreneurship: Find guidance and support in aligning their business ventures with their values, creating positive social impact alongside financial success.
- Entrepreneurs looking to give back: Identify opportunities to contribute to their communities and support others on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Design Approach
- User Research: Conducted user research to understand the needs, challenges, and aspirations of individuals from underdog backgrounds in pursuing entrepreneurship. Explored existing barriers and identified potential opportunities for support and empowerment.
- Persona Creation: Developed user personas representing individuals from diverse underdog backgrounds, considering factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural background, and previous entrepreneurial experience. These personas guided design decisions, ensuring a user-centered approach throughout the project.
- Information Architecture: Defined a clear information architecture for the Vanscend platform. Organized the structure of the platform in a logical and intuitive manner, making it easy for users to access relevant resources, mentorship opportunities, and networking features.
- Wireframes and Prototyping: Created low-fidelity wireframes to establish the layout, interactions, and hierarchy of the platform's screens. Iterated on the wireframes based on feedback and user testing, gradually transitioning to high-fidelity prototypes.
- Visual Design: Developed a visually appealing and inclusive design language for the Vanscend platform. Utilized color psychology, typography, and imagery to create a welcoming and inspiring user interface that resonated with the target audience.
- Resource Hub: Designed a comprehensive resource hub to provide entrepreneurs with access to educational materials, business templates, case studies, and relevant industry insights. Ensured easy navigation and search functionality for users to find the resources that best meet their needs.
- Mentorship and Networking: Integrated features that allow users to connect with experienced mentors from various industries and backgrounds. Implemented a mentor matching system, scheduling capabilities, and communication channels to facilitate meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.
- Success Stories and Impact Showcase: Created a platform for users to share their success stories, highlighting the positive impact they have created through entrepreneurship. Developed an impact showcase section to inspire and motivate others, showcasing how entrepreneurship can transform lives and communities.
- Community Building: Incorporated community features such as forums, discussion boards, and virtual events to foster a sense of belonging and collaboration among users. Encouraged