The Challenge
Edivist
Role: Service Designer, UI/UX Designer
Project Type: Career Coaching Program Innovation
Timeline: September 2023 - April 2024
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Edivist is a digital platform designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional application in the creative industries. By leveraging machine learning and personalized pathways, it fosters confidence, ensures effective skill application, and facilitates face-to-face professional interactions.
The service integrates introspective evaluations with real-world engagements, matching users based on shared goals for collaborative opportunities. By curating tailored content, Edivist enhances the transition from education to industry, equipping graduates with the skills and connections necessary for long-term success.
Research & Insights
1. Understanding Social Transitions in Early Adulthood
Observational studies revealed that students and new graduates struggle with the psychological and societal shift from academia to professional life. The disconnect between academic learning and real-world application often leads to uncertainty and low confidence.
Key Insight: There is a need for structured, real-world preparation that nurtures confidence and career adaptability.
2. The Impact of Digital Overload
While digital tools offer convenience, an excess of untargeted information leads to ineffective career searches. Users need structured, relevant, and personalized content.
Key Insight: A platform that curates information based on user goals and market demands can significantly enhance job readiness.
3. AI and the Anxiety Around Automation
AI advancements have sparked concerns over job security, particularly in creative fields. Many professionals lack the confidence to assess their competitive edge and future-proof their careers.
Key Insight: Personalized self-assessment tools and human-centered career strategies can mitigate these concerns and empower professionals.
AI Disruption in the Creative Industry
The rise of AI in the creative sector has introduced uncertainty about job security and skill relevance. Many professionals experience self-doubt regarding their unique abilities, adaptability, and future career prospects.
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Bridging the Academic-Professional Gap
New graduates often struggle to apply academic knowledge in real-world professional settings. Many lack clarity in identifying career paths, understanding industry expectations, and securing relevant opportunities.
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Overcoming Information Overload
With an overwhelming amount of digital content available, filtering relevant and actionable information is a challenge. Many graduates turn to search engines and social media, but the lack of personalized guidance often results in ineffective job searches.
Design Process
Pain Points v.s. Design Directions
How might we seamlessly integrate personalized pathways, foster face-to-face connections, and transform guidance into actionable, real-world experiences to fully prepare creative industry professionals for their desired careers?
Design Principles
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Personalization: Tailored career roadmaps based on individual skills and industry trends.
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Real-World Engagement: Encouraging professional interactions beyond digital reliance.
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Actionable Guidance: Translating career advice into concrete, structured steps.
Market Research
A competitive analysis of existing job search platforms and networking tools revealed gaps in structured mentorship and real-world integration, reinforcing the need for a hybrid digital-human experience.
User Journey Mapping
Mapping out user pain points and behaviors allowed for the identification of key moments where intervention was necessary. The journey emphasized the transition from academic uncertainty to career confidence.
The Product
Service Overview
Edivist integrates:
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AI-driven content recommendations for skill development.
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Goal-based mentorship pairing for personalized career support.
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Interactive career mapping tools to navigate industry expectations.
Prototyping
& Testing
The prototype, developed in Figma, underwent multiple testing phases with students, recent graduates, and industry professionals. Insights from usability testing informed refinements to improve engagement and clarity.
Project Value
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Provided users with structured, personalized career pathways.
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Fostered confidence in skill application through real-world mentorship.
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Enhanced clarity in job market expectations with targeted insights.
Impact & Next Steps
Next Step - Scaling the Solution
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To advance Edivist, the next steps include:
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Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with universities, industry leaders, and tech providers.
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Technology Enhancements: Strengthening AI capabilities for more precise career guidance.
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Pilot Program & User Feedback: Launching a test phase to refine features based on real user needs.
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Long-Term Vision: Positioning Edivist as a leader in creative industry career development.
Reflection
Reflecting on the Edivist project, the early research phase was instrumental in shaping the solution. Understanding the intersection of education, professional expectations, and digital consumption was crucial in designing an effective career transition tool.
Developing Edivist reaffirmed my passion for designing solutions that create real-world impact. It wasn’t just about building a platform; it was about crafting a system that supports emerging professionals in a meaningful way. The process challenged me to think critically about career accessibility and the evolving nature of professional development in the creative industries.
This project has strengthened my belief in the power of service design to address systemic challenges, and I am excited about the potential of Edivist to make a lasting impact in the creative industry landscape.
