UX/UI services for Catalyst teams - Helping funded teams to reach their full product potential

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

I will provide expert UX mentoring and UX design services to optimize interfaces and enhance the usability, the engagement and the aesthetics of Cardano projects.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

no

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

My offer is focused on accompanying and mentoring teams. It is based on individual research. There is an option we would be able to provide a template and work plans in order to share for further use in the community.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

As an experienced UX consultant, I will work directly with up to three Cardano project teams to significantly improve their product interfaces and overall user experience.

My proposal will address this challenge with the following framework and methodology for each team.

Conduct thorough user research to understand the needs and behaviours of the target audience, ensuring that the design aligns with user expectations.

Help develop a product strategy that defines the project goals and user journeys, setting a clear path for UX improvements.

Create high-level UX concepts and detailed wireframes, laying the groundwork for intuitive user interfaces.

Build interactive prototypes for selected use cases, allowing for early testing and feedback integration, which is crucial for iterative design improvements.

Provide ongoing mentoring and training to the project teams, enhancing their understanding of UX principles and empowering them to make informed design decisions.

Assist teams in the decision-making process by providing expert insights and recommendations based on best UX practices and user research findings.

Unique Aspects of Our Solution:

My specialized expertise in UX design offers a unique perspective that bridges the gap between technical functionality and user-centric design.

Focusing exclusively on Cardano projects ensures that solutions are specifically optimized for the unique challenges and opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem.

The success of this initiative will be demonstrated through improved user engagement metrics, positive user feedback, and increased adoption rates post-implementation.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

By enhancing the usability of applications built on the Cardano blockchain, this initiative aims to foster greater adoption and satisfaction among users, thereby contributing to the overall growth and appeal of the Cardano ecosystem.

The value:

Increased Usability -

Projects will become more user-friendly, encouraging sustained engagement and reducing the barrier to entry for new users.

Enhanced Project Success

Improved UX design directly correlates with higher user retention and satisfaction, driving the success rates of projects within the ecosystem.

Community Growth

By setting a high standard for UX in blockchain projects, Cardano can attract a wider audience, including non-technical users, thereby expanding its user base and community.

Measuring Impact:

User Engagement Metrics: We will track engagement metrics such as user retention rates, session times, and user feedback before and after UX improvements.

Qualitative Feedback: Collect qualitative data through user surveys and interviews to understand user satisfaction and areas for further improvement.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

Documentation and Case Studies:

Produce detailed case studies and reports outlining the design process, changes made, and results achieved. These will be shared with the Cardano community through forums, social media, and at Cardano community events.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

As a professional,I was the founder of 2 major creative production agencies, in critical periods of the digital age.

During 2023 I was an advisor of the catalyst creative, helping in the brand strategy, onboarding process and funding governance and distribution.

I was helping hundreds of startups and companies deliver successful products, some of them are well known as Waze, AT&T, T-mobile, MLB league, Alcatel lucent, HP and major Banks.

My career path was focused on delivering services and mentoring, while practicing myself as an entrepreneur, helping me to be aware of the challenges and decisions in the field of innovation,funding and.

I'm an educator, and im an initiator of systems and frameworks

Based on my proven experience in building collaboration and knowledge support.

I was on the board member of early stage startups and founded some of my own. Raising capital, took ownership of product strategy, branding and visual identity, and ux/ui and experience director.

I am currently a mentor and part of the founding team of Google for a startup accelerator in Israel

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Preparation and Initial Research

Objective:

Set the groundwork for the project, including initial meetings with each team, setting expectations, and conducting preliminary research.

Outputs:

A comprehensive project plan including timelines and specific goals for each team.

Initial user and market research to guide the overall UX strategy.

Acceptance Criteria:

Approval of the project plan by all stakeholders.

Completion of initial research reports validated with each project team.

Team 1 UX Design Cycle

Objective: Complete the full UX design cycle for the first project team.

Outputs:

User research report, UX strategy, high-level concept, wireframes, and prototype for Team 1.

Acceptance Criteria:

Team 1’s UX deliverables meet the defined UX objectives and are approved by the team.

Positive feedback from user testing of the prototype.

Team 2 UX Design Cycle

Objective: Complete the full UX design cycle for the first project team.

Outputs:

User research report, UX strategy, high-level concept, wireframes, and prototype for Team 2.

Acceptance Criteria:

Team 2’s UX deliverables meet the defined UX objectives and are approved by the team.

Positive feedback from user testing of the prototype.

Team 3 UX Design Cycle

Objective: Complete the full UX design cycle for the first project team.

Outputs:

User research report, UX strategy, high-level concept, wireframes, and prototype for Team 3.

Acceptance Criteria:

Team 3’s UX deliverables meet the defined UX objectives and are approved by the team.

Positive feedback from user testing of the prototype.

Project Finalization and Impact Reporting

Objective:

Compile and evaluate the impact of the UX improvements across all teams and prepare final deliverables.

Outputs:

Comprehensive project completion report detailing methodologies, results, and benefits for each team.

Compilation of key UX changes and their impacts, supported by user feedback and engagement metrics.

Project summary video showcasing the improvements made in each team's project.

Acceptance Criteria:

Documented proof of UX enhancements and user satisfaction improvements.

Acceptance of the final report and video by the funding body and the community.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Zachi diner -

I bring over 20 years of extensive experience in digital design and new media, with a deep skill set that spans product design, strategy, research, branding, and leading creative team and methodologies. I've consistently demonstrated my ability to drive successful product launches (among them Waze, Satellites networks, Content platforms, AT&T, T-mobile, Verizon, Fin-tech service suite, and more), and assemble high-performing creative teams. Both as in-house employee and as a co-founder of design studios in both San Francisco and Israel, I've forged valuable partnerships with numerous companies and startups.

In the last 4 years I led the Visual Communication Department at one of the largest design institutes, overseeing its remarkable growth. With 15 years of dedication to design education, I've curated shows and earned recognition for my workshops and speaking engagements. My unwavering passion lies in the art of crafting exceptional aesthetic experiences.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachi-diner-214219/

www.methodic.design

Recruitments -

I plan to assign and recruit additional team members _

A junior UX designer for helping with the detailed wire framing, concept and user scenario

A production designer in helping build the prototype and interactive scenario

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Preparation and Initial Research - 20,000 ADA

Project Management and Coordination

Initial User and Market Research Tools

(software licenses for survey and analytics tools)

Stakeholder Meetings and Workshops

(includes venue, virtual tools subscriptions)

Documentation and Reporting Setup

(software for documentation, cloud storage, initial setup)

Milestone 2: Team 1 UX Design Cycle - 20,000 ADA

User Research for Team 1:

Design and Prototyping Tools for Team 1

Mentoring Sessions for Team 1:

(compensation for mentoring and training sessions)

Iteration and Feedback Implementation for Team 1.

Milestone 3: Team 2 UX Design Cycle - 20,000 ADA

User Research for Team 2:

Design and Prototyping Tools for Team 2

Mentoring Sessions for Team 2:

(compensation for mentoring and training sessions)

Iteration and Feedback Implementation for Team 2.

Milestone 4: Team 3 UX Design Cycle - 20,000 ADA

User Research for Team 3:

Design and Prototyping Tools for Team 3

Mentoring Sessions for Team 3:

(compensation for mentoring and training sessions)

Iteration and Feedback Implementation for Team 3.

Final Milestone: Project Finalization and Impact Reporting - 15,000 ADA

Final Compilation and Reporting

results, drafting final report, preparing impact presentation)

Project Summary Video Production:

(production costs including editing, scripting, filming)

Community Engagement and Presentation

(expenses related to sharing results through community channels, webinars, and live presentations)

Contingency Fund - 5,000 ADA

Unforeseen Costs and Additional Resources:

(to cover unexpected expenses and ensure flexibility in project management and delivery)

Total Budget: 100,000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Industry Standards:

The budget allocations for user research, design, prototyping, and mentoring are consistent with standard rates for professional UX design services. Typically, the market rate for comprehensive UX services for a team can range up to $30,000 per team, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. For this initiative, each team is allocated $30,000, which covers the full UX design cycle, aligning perfectly with industry standards. This rate reflects mid-to-senior level expertise necessary for delivering high-impact outcomes.

The average hourly rate for UX designers ranges from $50 to $150, depending on expertise and the complexity of the work. For intense, my regular rate is an average of $100 per hour, herer it is reduced to half.

Software and Tools:

The cost of UX tools like figma, Adobe and some other AI tools are essential for modern UX design and prototyping. These tools are industry-standard and represent necessary expenses to produce high-quality, interactive prototypes. These tools facilitate the creation of sophisticated designs and prototypes, which are crucial for user testing and feedback.

Training and Mentoring:

The allocated budget for mentoring reflects the intensive, personalized training and support provided to each team, ensuring they can continue to implement best practices in UX beyond the life of the project. This mentoring is crucial for fostering an understanding of UX principles, which helps sustain the improvements made during the project.

The Value

By improving the UX of Cardano projects, the initiative aims to significantly increase user engagement and satisfaction, which are critical metrics for the success and sustainability of any digital platform.

Better UX directly translates to higher adoption rates. Projects that are intuitive and user-friendly are more likely to attract and retain a broader user base, contributing to the growth and strength of the Cardano ecosystem.

The skills and knowledge imparted through the mentoring sessions will empower project teams to maintain high UX standards, ensuring long-term benefits and continuous improvement within their projects.

Cost Efficiency:

Focused Spending: The budget is strategically divided among key phases of UX development, ensuring that resources are spent efficiently to generate visible and impactful results.

Contingency and Flexibility: A designated contingency fund ensures that the project can adapt to unforeseen challenges without compromising on quality, making the financial planning both robust and flexible.