3DCation
Explore and design for an online education platform of 3D Printing
My Role:
UX/UI Designer
Teammate:
1PM + 2 Researchers + 2 Marketers
Duration:
Two Months (ongoing)
As a 3D Printing expert and trainer, Katherine found there is a huge market need of the 3D Printing training program, especially in the fashion-related categories. I met Kat and joined the team at the Startup Weekend NYC Fashion Tech meeting, then helped her design the first prototype of the platform.
As UX/UI Designer, I assisted in user research, discussed the business model with the team, defined the main features of the platform, created prototypes and then presented the idea to the judges at Startup Weekend.
Problem: the growing 3D printing industry is lack of skilled worker.
“9 out of 10 manufacturers are struggling to find the skilled workers needed—a shortage that is impacting production, quality, innovation, and growth. One of the major challenges of recruiting and hiring newly minted engineers is the fact that they will likely need on-the-job training in AM techniques, even with their STEM-focused education. Indeed, many engineering programs at academic institutions offer little in the way of AM-specific education, and thus many graduates may not have the AM skills that companies desire.”
Notes: AM (Additive Manufacturing ), also known as 3D Printing, refers to processes used to create a three-dimensional object in which layers of material are formed under computer control to create an object.
User Research
We created survey with Google Form and sent to 3D Modeling Professionals found on Shapeways (3D printing marketplace and service), received 12 responses.
User Interview
We interviewed Veronika Harbick, Co-Founder & CEO of Thursday Finest, she confirmed she came across huge challenges from the shortage of skilled hirable talents. She also mentioned, as a business owner, she would like to build partnerships and help to create course content
Persona - Primary Persona
Persona - Secondary Persona
Brainstorming
Business Model
Based on our research and discussion, we drafted the business model, deciding the platform will be facing individual customers and enterprise clients. We will create the training program with enterprise clients, making sure the training content and our graduates satisfy their needs. On the other side, individual users will be able to access the training with a relatively low price because enterprise clients will be paying for part of the cost of course development.
Sitemap of Quick Prototype
Prototype - Homepage
Prototype - Education
Prototype - Workshop
Job
Team Feedback
PS: I was wearing a 3DPrinting dress when presenting!
Conclusion & Learning
3DCation is a fun project and the fastest project I’ve ever done. I created the prototype within a day and then I presented the entire project to a group of judges from the industries and nearly a hundred audiences on behalf of our team. The prototype received many compliments.
It’s also a pleasing experience of working with my team. We had great collaboration and discussion from beginning to end. Some of us went out to the street and talked to store managers to validate the idea, some of us explored the possible business models and create the design that reflects the business goals. Together we created a solution to fix the initial problem – there is a huge shortage of talents in the 3D Printing industry.
Katherine is not only our team lead but also a 3D Printing expert herself, having conducted training for several years. She intended to bring this idea and product into a real business, which I will be looking forward to seeing that happens and be happy to help.