My journey has been a unique combination of being an investor and an entrepreneur. This double perspective was more than simply revealing; It was transformative.
Every setback I encountered, every barrier I faced, I used to shape the design of FUNDaily.
Did you know that 65% of SMEs consider traditional fundraising methods to be too complicated and inaccessible?
Project Overview
I designed FUNDaily with the goal of:
- Reduce the barriers that hinder the financing of SMEs.
- Create new low-cost, limited-risk investment opportunities for beginning investors.
This case study traces my journey from initial concept to near-execution (halted by the pandemic), highlighting my commitment to user empathy, inventive problem-solving, and effective team management in a remote environment.
- Reduce the barriers that hinder the financing of SMEs.
- Create new low-cost, limited-risk investment opportunities for beginning investors.
This case study traces my journey from initial concept to near-execution (halted by the pandemic), highlighting my commitment to user empathy, inventive problem-solving, and effective team management in a remote environment.
Problem
Market Gap
Raising capital is a very difficult task for many.
My goal? Transform the complex into manageable.
My goal? Transform the complex into manageable.
Design Influence
Empathizing
Research Approach
It all started in Brazil, with a validation of the concept that was not only theoretical but deeply rooted in the real experiences of entrepreneurs.
This immersive approach provided me with invaluable insights, revealing the intricate challenges and unique aspirations of entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
This immersive approach provided me with invaluable insights, revealing the intricate challenges and unique aspirations of entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
User Insights
Surveys, interviews and direct interactions. They were more than just data collection methods.
Through them, I discovered interesting ideas. For example, one entrepreneur shared, “I need financing, but the process is very impersonal and intimidating.”
This sentiment, echoed in many interviews, revealed a common pain point in the fundraising experience.
Through them, I discovered interesting ideas. For example, one entrepreneur shared, “I need financing, but the process is very impersonal and intimidating.”
This sentiment, echoed in many interviews, revealed a common pain point in the fundraising experience.
defining
Feedback to Features
FUNDaily's features didn't magically appear; They were born from the voices of our users.
ideation and prototyping
Creative Process
The generation of my ideas was a fusion of market analysis and dynamic brainstorming sessions.
Imagine a room full of ideas, each based on specific market realities and user needs.
Imagine a room full of ideas, each based on specific market realities and user needs.
Prototyping Journey
My first prototype was basic and focused on core functionality. But as I repeated it, layers of sophistication were added.
Each iteration was a response to external or team-specific feedback, ensuring each change was purposeful and user-focused.
Each iteration was a response to external or team-specific feedback, ensuring each change was purposeful and user-focused.
user testing
Testing Methodology
My testing wasn't just about functionality; It was about resonance. Live interviews were the backbone of my methodology, keeping us grounded in user perspectives.
Feedback Integration
The insights from user testing were eye-opening. For example, users loved the "unitary funding" feature, but found it a bit complex to understand in the initial iterations.
This feedback led me to refine the feature to simplify it without losing its essence.
This feedback led me to refine the feature to simplify it without losing its essence.
pitch deck
Pitch Crafting
Influenced by Y Combinator's approach, I crafted a narrative that was relatable and consistent, focused on the market disruption that this platform is capable of having.
Risk Navigation
Understanding our niche was the first step in identifying potential risks, then I performed an exhaustive risk analysis, considering variables that could affect our platform and the market in general.
It wasn't just about mitigating risk; was turning a challenge into an opportunity to innovate and grow.
It wasn't just about mitigating risk; was turning a challenge into an opportunity to innovate and grow.
recruiting
Developer Selection
My recruitment mantra was simple – tech-savvy, ambitious, and ever-learning minds. When selecting developers, I wasn't just looking at their skills in React Native and Firebase.
I was assembling a future-ready team, each with unique strengths. A team that could pivot and adapt, creating a robust app that stands the test of time.
I was assembling a future-ready team, each with unique strengths. A team that could pivot and adapt, creating a robust app that stands the test of time.
Remote Management
The pandemic was not just a challenge; It was an opportunity to innovate our work processes, by adopting remote work.
Weekly virtual coffee meetings on Google Meets to catch up, sprint reviews in Jira to track progress, and GitHub for seamless code integration and peer reviews – each tool played a crucial role in overcoming physical distance.
But the tools are only part of the story. What really changed the game was how I leveraged these tools to foster a culture of open communication and collaboration.
Weekly virtual coffee meetings on Google Meets to catch up, sprint reviews in Jira to track progress, and GitHub for seamless code integration and peer reviews – each tool played a crucial role in overcoming physical distance.
But the tools are only part of the story. What really changed the game was how I leveraged these tools to foster a culture of open communication and collaboration.
Skillset
Design Mastery
FUNDaily was more than just design; it was about understanding and addressing complex user needs in challenging environments.
My role in designing a user-centric application underscored my ability to balance functionality, aesthetics, user empathy, and business goals.
My role in designing a user-centric application underscored my ability to balance functionality, aesthetics, user empathy, and business goals.
postponed
Tough Call
The pandemic was not just a global crisis; It was a personal challenge for our team. We faced fatigue and financial constraints, which led us to the difficult decision to discontinue FUNDaily.
Learning Curve
This setback was transformative. It reshaped my approach to project management and leadership. I learned the criticality of agility in navigating unforeseen challenges and the role of emotional intelligence in leading a team under stress. This period sharpened my skills in managing resources more efficiently, anticipating risks, and maintaining open, supportive communication with the team.
conclusion
Reflective Summary
FUNDaily's journey, although paused momentarily, has been a crucible of learning and innovation. It wasn't just about designing an app; it was about incorporating a deep sense of user empathy and entrepreneurial spirit into my UX/UI design approach.
These experiences have armed me with invaluable knowledge and skills, preparing me for future challenges.
These experiences have armed me with invaluable knowledge and skills, preparing me for future challenges.
Looking Ahead
This journey with FUNDaily is just the beginning. It's a stepping stone into my broader quest to design digital solutions that are not only functional but also empowering and intuitive.
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