Free Design Consultancy and Services for Cardano Projects

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Thyme

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

Individual

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

4

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

No

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

I will provide design consultancy, branding packages, and website UI’s to enhance the visual identity and user experience of Cardano companies, boosting their professionalism and adoption.

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

No

[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 dependencies.

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

Yes

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

Everything that can be open sourced will be.

[METADATA] Horizons

Business Services

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Perceived Problem Cardano’s ecosystem is growing and has a focus on user adoption, many companies focus on the technical level of execution however the user experience doesn’t always receive the same focus. Companies may fail to realize without strong cohesive branding and smooth user experience with their products, they are in turn losing credibility and turning away users. 

Proposed Solution Thyme Studio will offer two core services

1. Design Consultancy for branding and websites/apps. These audits will evaluate the visual identity, user interface, and overall usability. Then a detailed list of actionable recommendations for improvement will be provided. 
2. Design Packages that include branding (logo, color schemes, typography, social media assets) and website/ app UI/UX, providing companies with polished, cohesive designs that enhance their user experience.

As a graphic designer with 7 years of experience and 4 years of freelancing in the crypto/web3 space, specializing within Cardano, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of design in a company's success. My solution directly addresses this gap by improving the visual and interactive elements of the company to retain users while increasing their credibility, accessibility and encouraging long-term engagement for the Cardano ecosystem.

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

By offering design consultancy and design packages Thyme Studio will create direct impact in the Cardano community by improving the visual quality of companies. This will lead to better user experience, enhanced visibility and engagement. Companies that have strong cohesive visual identities and user-friendly interfaces attract users, and investors which directly impacts the growth and adoption of Cardano. 

Value to the Cardano Community

• Increased Adoption By increasing the quality of branding and UI/UX, users will find Cardano based applications seamless to use, which will drive adoption of Cardano companies and their respective products. 
• Strengthening Ecosystem Reputation Ensuring products and applications are easy to use and visually engaging will help solidify Cardano’s reputation as a hub for well-executed, innovative applications. As a result Cardano companies will become more competitive in the broader blockchain landscape.
• Supporting Grassroots Growth This service will enable smaller, grassroots projects to have access to professional design services, helping them compete with larger players in the space. By offering consultancy and branding packages, the services supports community driven initiatives and fosters inclusivity within the ecosystem.

How I will Measure Impact

While Thyme Studio will not focus on social metrics like increased website traffic, Thyme Studio will measure impact based on the following criteria

• Quantitative Metrics
• Number of Projects Assisted The number of branding audits, website audits, and UI/UX designs completed within the 3-month period will be tracked and recorded.
• Deliverables Produced Detailed reports, branding packages, and UI/UX prototypes will be documented and shared with each client.
• Client Satisfaction After each project, feedback will be collected from the teams I work with to assess satisfaction of deliverables and the value they see in the design improvements. 
• Qualitative Metrics
• Visual Comparisons By presenting a side by side of the brand before and after Thyme Studio’s work, the community will visually be able to see the improvements made by the design consulting and or design work completed.
• Case Studies Thyme Studio will develop case studies that highlight how the design changes impacted the project, either through better user experience or enhanced branding cohesion.
• Client Testimonials By gathering testimonials from project founders, it will show how the work has impacted their project's growth and perception within the community.

How I will Share Outputs and Opportunities

• Project Reports After each completed consultancy or design project, Thyme Studio will compile reports that detail the work done, including design mockups, audit feedback, and recommendations. These reports will be shared with the respective teams and if they choose, can be showcased publicly to show transparency.
• Public Showcases Thyme Studio will share examples of completed work through community channels on Twitter, ensuring the wider community can see the positive impact of design on the company's success within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Design Recap Thyme Studio will compile an outline and publish an article recap showcasing common branding/UI/UX issues seen in the audits, along with solutions, so that projects Thyme Studio did not directly work with can benefit.

[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?

With 7 years of professional experience as a graphic designer and a degree in the field, Thyme Studio is well-equipped to deliver high-quality design consultancy, branding, and UI/UX services. Since 2020, Thyme, the founder, has been freelancing in the crypto/web3 space, with a specific focus on the Cardano ecosystem. This specialized experience gives them a deep understanding of the needs and challenges that Cardano projects face in terms of design and user experience.

Steps to Ensure Feasibility

To validate that Thyme Studio's approach is realistic and manageable within the given time frame and budget, Thyme Studio will follow a structured and transparent process:

• Project Timeline A clear timeline will be developed for each design audit or package. This timeline will outline deliverables and milestones, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Client Communication Thyme Studio will maintain open communication with each client throughout the process to ensure clarity on their needs and expectations, which helps avoid delays and scope changes.
• Resource Allocation Thyme Studio has the capacity to manage my workload efficiently, ensuring that each project receives the necessary time and attention to maintain high-quality outputs. This is reflected in their past work. 

Trust and Fund Management

Thyme Studio is well versed in writing contracts and completing deliverables as they have actively been writing contracts for the business for multiple years. 

• Detailed Budget Breakdown Thyme Studio will provide a transparent budget breakdown for how the 50,000 ADA will be allocated across design audits, branding packages, and UI/UX services. This breakdown will be included in the proposal and updated accordingly. 
• Payment Milestones The payment will be divided into clear milestones and payments will only be given once milestones are reached with Intersect
• Public Accountability Thyme Studio will share progress and updates publicly with the Cardano community on twitter (with consent with each company worked with) to maintain transparency. 

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

Month 1

2 branding audits

1 UI/UX website or app audit

1 Branding package

Month 2

2 branding audits

1 UI/UX website or app audit

1 Branding package

Website / App design client acquired

Month 3

2 branding audits

1 UI/UX website or app audit

1 Branding Package

Website / app design client in progress

Month 4

2 branding audits

Website / app design client completed

Article writeup of common branding & UI/UX issues seen in the audits, observations and solutions will be published. Completed work will also be reflected the Thyme Studio portfolio and all milestone write-ups will be sent and completed.

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

This will be led and executed by Thyme, a professional graphic designer with 7 years of experience and a degree in graphic design. Since 2020, they have focused on the crypto and web3 space, particularly within the Cardano ecosystem. They are known on twitter as @design_thyme and are an active member in the Cardano community.  

As a solo freelancer, Thyme will handle all aspects of the project, ensuring consistency, accountability, and quality across all deliverables.

• Responsible for conducting design audits, creating branding strategies, and executing UI/UX improvements.
• Project management, client communication, and project management to ensure deadlines are met.
• Overseeing budgeting, reporting, and regular updates to the Cardano community.

Twitter https://x.com/design_thyme

Portfolio Website https://thymestudio.co

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

Cost Breakdown of Proposed Work and Resources (4 months)

For the successful delivery of design audits, branding packages, and UI/UX design work over a 4-month period, Thyme Studio will allocate resources toward design services, software tools, project management, and community reporting. Below is the breakdown.

Design Services (40,000 ADA)

These funds will cover the time and expertise required for delivering the design audits and branding/UI/UX packages

• Branding Audits (8 projects @ 2,000 ADA each) 16,000 ADA
• UI/UX Website or App Audits (3 projects @ 3,000 ADA each) 9,000 ADA
• Branding Package (3 project @ 4,000 ADA) 12,000 ADA
• Website/ App design (1 project @ 6,000 ADA) 6,000 ADA

Total for Design Services - 43,000 ADA

Software & Tools (2,000 ADA)

To ensure smooth workflow and high-quality outputs, Thyme Studio will utilize professional design software and tools over the 4-month period

• Adobe Creative Cloud License (4 months @ 200 ADA/month) 800 ADA
• Figma Pro (4 months @ 150 ADA/month) 600 ADA
• X Premium (4 months @ 100 ADA/month) 400 ADA
• Gmail Professional Plan (4 months @ 50 ADA/month) 200 ADA

Total for Software & Tools - 2,000 ADA

Project Management (5,000 ADA)

Effective project management over the 4-month span will include time spent on client communication, feedback cycles, project tracking, and coordination

• Weekly video / audio check-ins with clients
• Scheduling, project updates, emails and milestone management
• Community Updates via Twitter, Articles, and Catalyst Community Forum
• Public Reporting project case studies, visual before-and-after comparisons

Total for Project Management - 5,000 ADA

Total Cost Breakdown:

• Design Services: 43,000 ADA
• Software & Tools: 2,000 ADA
• Project Management: 5,000 ADA

Total Requested Funding: 50,000 ADA

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

All costs are calculated based on the price of ADA at $0.34 on October 10th, 2024 for the typical rate Thyme Studio currently operates at. The proposed 50,000 ADA budget for this project reflects value for the Cardano ecosystem in a few ways. 

Thyme brings specialized skills in the design industry to blockchain. By leveraging their experience, Cardano companies benefit from quality design work. By improving branding and website UI/UX the Cardano ecosystem will experience increased adoption and community engagement.