In the prototyping stages, we waited for Pat’s input on our ideation summary to begin testing. Since Pat basically eliminated two of our ideas from possibility, we were able to focus our testing on the job board website. The group created some iPhone screen mock-ups for users to examine. Even though the main channel will be a typical computer with internet access, the iPhone screens gave us the opportunity to accentuate the main ideas of the job board. After visiting the Saint Joseph PACE Center and speaking with team family members, the group acquired some valuable feedback. Retiree Gayle Books, a former KFC employee and PACE participant, stated “I need a buddy like you there” while I was explaining who the users would meet up with to complete tasks. This pointed to a major oversight in the prototype: we had only allowed one user to help another single user. Adding options to combine the expertise of multiple users to tackle problems made sense in that complicated jobs could now be easier to complete and teamwork would lead to more social connectivity amongst users. One of the main things Professor Angst stressed is the E for Enticing, so the group tested which incentives were most coveted. Desired rewards seemed to fluctuate randomly. Cash rewards reigned supreme in the end, especially according to individuals with lower retirement savings. Thus, the job board should have an option for a cash reward on each posting. Lastly, ideally local stores and companies would be involved by offering discounts to products/services related to areas of expertise. PACE Activity Director Joe Collins pointed out the missed opportunities from these local stores possibly posting simple jobs, or even workshops, onto the job board. This would allow stores to get cheap, or even volunteer, labor while also increasing a sense of community for the users. Also, beginner style workshops could excite the users to develop skills in the hobbies they want to pursue.
Key Takeaways:
- To fix users’ weariness about meeting up with strangers looking for jobs, the website should offer a “buddy” system that allows friends to team up on tasks and split the rewards.
- Participating local stores should also be able to post smaller jobs and even workshops that inhibit connections between users in certain areas of expertise.
- Users, especially ones with lower retirement savings, prefer cash as an incentive to complete tasks.
iPhone Mock-up Pictures: