Setting and Background Information
The year 2020 shook the world with unprecedented events, including a global pandemic, economic instability, and widespread anxiety and depression. Widespread lockdowns and job losses left virtually every industry reeling, with individuals grappling to navigate the new normal. As financial resources dwindled, the conventional means of affording goods and services became an added challenge.
Against the backdrop of a worldwide supply shortage, with essentials like hand sanitizers, masks, and even toilet paper in high demand, communities began to unite in a collective effort to support one another. Bartering and trading emerged as a newfound means of exchange, prompting me to ponder whether this “new age” form of bartering could indeed hold the key to addressing the broader societal challenges brought to light by the pandemic.
Role:Creative lead and design researcher
Date: 2020
Tools: Figma, Miro, and Zoom
Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic led to job loss, reduced financial stability, and a surge in mental health issues. Many individuals faced the inability to pay for therapy due to the loss of their jobs and healthcare coverage. This presented a significant problem as the demand for therapy increased while resources became scarce.
Research methods
Interviews
Four, 30-minute Zoom interviews with people who expressed interest in the idea of bartering through a social media poll. They ranged in age, demographic, and experience with bartering. The open-ended questions were tailored to gauge interest in the concept.
Examples of the questions:
- What is your familiarity with the concept of bartering, and have you ever engaged in bartering before?
- Can you describe a specific situation in which you successfully bartered goods or services with someone? What was the outcome?
- In your opinion, what are the advantages of bartering as a method of exchange compared to traditional monetary transactions?
- Are there any disadvantages or challenges you associate with bartering? If so, please explain.
Personas
Rachel Wolf
Pre-k Teacher
Lost her job during the pandemic, and still needs to cover expenses. Doesn’t know when she will be able to find a new job, since schools and companies have shut down.
Relational
- Studied early childhood education at NYU
- Minored in photography
- Lives in NYC with two roommates
- Lost her job with the school and daycare shutdowns
- Has an emergency fund that will help cover rent for a month or two but is anxious about not being able to afford therapy.
Goals
- Start seeing a therapist
- Learn skills to cope with stress and anxiety
- Improve self-view
Pain points
- Lost job and insurance
- Needs to find a way to pay the bills
- Unsure when the world will open back up
Ed Russell
Clinical Therapist
Able to adapt his clinical therapy practices online, when COVID hit. Many of his clients lost their jobs and healthcare. He wants to provide therapy to past and new clients, even if they can’t pay for therapy.
Relational
- Studied psychology at Tufts University
- Empty nester, but lives a few blocks away from his adult children
- Has been a clinical therapist for 20 years
- Long-standing patients have lost their jobs and insurance during the pandemic
Goals
- Continue to help people in times of need
- Use his expertise to make an impact in the world
Pain points
- Clients have canceled because they no longer have insurance
- People need therapy more than ever
- Not enough therapists to help everyone
Design intervention
Skill Swap
Skill Swap, an innovative app, introduced a bartering system to address the challenges faced by society after the pandemic. By creating a platform that allows individuals to exchange products and services using their skills, Skill Swap revolutionized the concept of payment for mental health therapy, pet care, hair care services and other services. Instead of the conventional reliance on monetary exchanges, users can now leverage their unique talents to seamlessly seek and provide an array of goods and services.
Design Process
Sitemap
Wireframes
Paper sketches
Mid-fidelity
High-fidelity
Experience Map
