For my graduation project, I had the opportunity to work on an assignment for the Kaasfabriek in Alkmaar. This is a public workspace (FabLab) where you can use various machines, such as a 3D printer, laser cutter, sticker cutter, heat press, and embroidery machine. It’s a place where you can work on your hobby projects using the available equipment.
Before you can use a machine, you must first complete a basic course. After completing the course, you can return for free during an open walk-in evening to work on your project and you officially become a participant.
Role
UX research
UX/UI design
Visual design & branding
Stakeholder
FabLab Kaasfabriek Alkmaar
Problem
The number of people returning to an open walk-in evening after completing the basic course has significantly declined in recent years, raising questions about the causes. Volunteers at the Kaasfabriek mentioned that returning feels like a high barrier for participants, but what exactly makes it so difficult for them?
To investigate this problem, I conducted interviews with people who already followed a course and observations during a basic course and open walk-in evenings, which led to the following reasons that makes it difficult to return.
No take-home information or summary after the course.
Not every volunteer has complete knowledge of each machine.
Lack of machine knowledge makes participants feel insecure.
New people and an unfamiliar environment can feel intimidating.
Differences in technical knowledge lead to conversations among the participants.
*One main rule at the Kaasfabriek is that you must share your knowledge. In addition it is essential to strengthen the connection between participants so they can support each other and not rely solely on the course. This is why collaboration also plays a key role.
Design challenge
"How can a digital solution support collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants after their first basic course at the Kaasfabriek, reducing the barrier to returning for an open walk-in evening?"
Concept
The Kaasfabriek Community-app offers an accessible way for people to ask questions and get an impression of the Kaasfabriek during a basic course, open walk-in evening or even at home. It makes the Kaasfabriek more accessible and a more appealing and fun place to be.
People can discover what is being made, who is attending, and what is possible. This allows participants to stay connected with each other, continue asking questions, and deepen their knowledge. This makes it possible to remain part of the community for the long term and continue knowledge sharing and collaboration, even outside the physical workspace.
How the Kaasfabriek Community-app contributes to the journey of a participant
The app consists of various features, each contributing to a specific phase in a participant's journey, which starts with a basic course and ends with an open walk-in evening. Each feature addresses one of the previously mentioned problems.
Features
Phase 1 - View projects
View and learn from the projects made by others at the Kaasfabriek, and follow people you’ve met at the Kaasfabriek!
Phase 2 - Machine information & introduction excercises
Do a short exercise on a machine to refresh your skills, or review information about a machine.
Phase 3 - Send a help requests or ask questions via chat
Don't hesitate to ask questions and ask them directly to the Kaasfabriek community at any time!
Phase 4 - Share your project!
Are you finished with your project? Share your project and knowledge with the rest of the community!
Phase 4 - Get back to work with a new idea.
Branding
Primary colors: the colors blue, red, and yellow are the primary colors in the color system. These colors serve as a powerful metaphor. Just as these colors form the foundation for mixing all other colors, collaboration, community, knowledge sharing, and creativity are the core of what the Kaasfabriek represents.
I started with illustrations that felt a bit too corporate and impersonal. Additionally, they lacked the feeling of a creative workspace. That’s why I decided to experiment further.
I decided to take a step back and look at the visual elements, the Kaasfabriek already had — and that was their logo. A logo consisting of bold black stripes and angles, giving it a tough appearance. A bold appearance that also represents the Kaasfabriek — a place where many different things are made and where many different people come together.
For the new illustrations, I chose to use black lines as the foundation. This creates a visual connection with the logo of the Kaasfabriek and simultaneously gives it a handcrafted, artsy style. Additionally, I added faces to the characters to make them more personal. By integrating recognizable elements from the workplace, such as tools, equipment, and machines, I aimed to bring the character and atmosphere of the workspace back.
Finally, I combined black with solid blocks of primary colors to reflect the bold style.
How does the Kaasfabriek Community-app lower the barrier for beginner participants?
The app is designed to support collaboration and knowledge sharing between participants at any time, making it your own digital companion!
Not only after the first basic course does the app provide an opportunity for participants to easily stay in touch with other participants and volunteers, ask questions, and share or receive knowledge, but the app can also be used before or after the basic course.
The various features offer greater accessibility and openness towards the Kaasfabriek, thereby promoting participant engagement and significantly lowering the barrier to attending physical open evenings.
Furthermore, the app provides an easy-to-use and accessible way to continue learning at your own pace and become familiar with the Kaasfabriek, which increases motivation and confidence to return to an open evening.
