Pointless.academy is a platform that empowers designers by personalised mentorships.
The Problem
When you learn a new skill for your side hustle it is important to know if you are doing the right thing, how can you do that project better and what can be an overall improvement.
The Solution
The mentoring platform for designers aims to create a supportive environment where designers can get help and support from experts. To determine the market size and potential demand for such a platform, we need to consider various factors.
The design industry has over 2 million practitioners worldwide, according to the International Council of Design (ico-D), and that number is expected to grow in the coming years. Moreover, the design industry is rapidly expanding and is anticipated to be valued at over $249.5 billion in 2022, according to Statista.
As more professionals enter the industry, there is a growing need for mentoring and skill development. The demand for continuous learning and upskilling, along with the evolving nature of design practices, reinforces the need for a mentorship platform specifically for designers.
Revenue Model
From workshops and subscription plans to premium resources and affiliate marketing, our platform provides a vibrant space for both mentors and mentees.
Our community comprises of individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. When these diverse individuals collaborate and contribute their talents and ideas, they form a unified whole that is both beautiful and impactful. Our logo, therefore, symbolizes the creative potential and collaborative spirit of our community.
The initial step involved designing the landing page, which would serve as the foundation for our community. I crafted low-fidelity wireframes for both the landing page and the primary website to establish a solid groundwork for our mentorship platform.
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Dashboard
Pointless.academy’s dashboard offers a concise overview of features and activities. Users can easily explore groups, join them, and stay informed with real-time notifications and events. The platform also allows for efficient mentor and peer searches, promoting streamlined navigation and fostering a collaborative, supportive environment.
As a team, we developed and refined our design concepts for each of the app's five pages: the dashboard, messages, resources, events, and community guidelines.
Profile Page
Each user's profile showcases their personal brand, highlighting skills, achievements, and notable projects. A well-crafted profile attracts peers and facilitates collaboration, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Messaging
Within the platform's messaging/chat section, users have a clear view of all the groups they belong to, as well as those they've requested access to. The chat feature enables seamless communication with mentors and peers across various groups, keeping users updated on the latest design trends and news.
Resources
The resources page of the Pointless.academy platform serves as a curated hub for all shared content and live resources contributed by platform members. Users can explore a rich collection of insightful blogs, discover cutting-edge design tools, and access a wealth of other valuable resources, all aimed at enhancing their learning and creative journey.
Events
The platform offers offline and online events, including design talks, hackathons, meetups, and virtual workshops. Users can easily browse through events and enroll in those that interest them. This organized approach promotes engagement and provides diverse learning opportunities.
Chinmayee
Abhinav
Avani
User Testing
The user testing suggested that the application's navigation and user interface could benefit from simplification, improved visibility of key features, and an optimized onboarding process. Addressing these areas will likely enhance the user experience for a wider range of users and reduce the need for assistance.
In addition, addressing specific issues, such as the tag entry system and image downloading functionality, can help eliminate potential pain points and improve user satisfaction.
The Impact
The platform aims to differentiate itself with a unique, engaging experience, an AI-driven matching algorithm, user-friendly communication tools, and curated resources.
By setting ambitious objectives and ensuring sustainability through business and revenue models, the platform is positioned to foster meaningful connections and promote professional growth for designers and mentors alike.
Playground
