Digital Opportunity Trust Research Project
During the duration of the DOT social entrepreneur project we were tasked with conceptualising a robust set of tools that emerging entrepreneurs in all regions of Africa could use to jumpstart their small businesses. It was pivotal that we understood the localisation of each region in order to find a common ground set of features that would work for each region, while understanding what made each region culturally unique. Once our concepts came to fruition, we then embarked on a month long research project to Tanzania, Ghana, and Jordan to test our ideas with local entrepreneurs. These are our findings.
During the duration of the DOT social entrepreneur project we were tasked with conceptualising a robust set of tools that emerging entrepreneurs in all regions of Africa could use to jumpstart their small businesses. It was pivotal that we understood the localisation of each region in order to find a common ground set of features that would work for each region, while understanding what made each region culturally unique.
Once our concepts came to fruition, we then embarked on a month long research project to Tanzania, Ghana, and Jordan to test our ideas with local entrepreneurs. These are our findings.
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TOOLS
Online Survey
Most participants for the four prototype tests completed a
survey prior to our visit. This survey provided context on an
individual’s interests and passions as well as her experience with
social entrepreneurship and business prior to being interviewed
more deeply in person. The survey can be found here: https://
dotteam.typeform.com/to/Kr2Z1m.
Story-based Clickable Prototype
We tested Ideasource as a story-based InVision prototype on
a Samsung Galaxy S5. The story walked users through the
main features and use cases, showcasing the functionality
and purpose of the app. The link for the original prototype
is accessible here: https://invis.io/788B6HZDB. Based on
the feedback we received in-field, we have created a revised
prototype that is more fully clickable, found here:
https://invis.io/Z78B6IMTP.
Prototype Script
To ensure repeatable research, we created a 19-page
facilitator’s script to reference during the Ideasource interviews.
This script included the story line as well as pointed questions
to uncover first reactions, perceptions, and interest levels.
Impact Cards
For Ideasource, Fellowship Network, and Residency, we created
Impact Cards for additional feedback. These were filled out by
youth to evaluate each concept after its simulation.
Value Slider
All features and concepts in this test were evaluated numerically
on a scale of one to seven, one being not at all valuable and
seven being absolutely valuable. A physical scale was provided to
interviewees to better visualize value. Value tells us how much a
user wants something.
Feature Sort
At the end of the Ideasource demo, users were asked to
determine their 3 Must Haves and 3 Leave Behinds of the 25 total
features. Sorting tells us how much a user needs something.
Engagement Lifecycle Cards
For Ideasource, Fellowship Network, and Residency, we created
Engagement Lifecycle Cards that captured where the user
aligned on the lifecycle spectrum, as well as how the concepts
might be valuable at each stage of her career.
DOT Bot Message Spreadsheet
We created a spreadsheet of different messages and time-blocks
for DOT Bot to send out via WhatsApp, which was connected to
our computer and the Samsung Galaxy S5. We created a realistic
profile and used copy-and-paste to simulate the instant replies of
a chatbot experience, communicating with users throughout the
week in each country. We asked for feedback on the experience
and service, posing as DOT Bot through WhatsApp.
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THE FUTURE OF DOT:
BRINGING CONCEPTS TO LIFE
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