Lone Creation Experience
Tools for developing creative ideas for a one-person business.
M.Des, "Design Management and Innovation", Bezalel Academy for Art and Design
INTRO
Changes in the work field are pushing individuals to adopt new work models. Being a "one-person business" is one such model that allows for better work-life balance and self-expression. However, this model requires a unique set of skills, including self-development, creativity, and time management.
Many challenges arise from working alone, such as short-term thinking, difficulty adapting to change, and a lack of external support. These factors can lead to a reactive approach, preventing long-term growth and sustainability.
CHALLENGE
How can we develop creative skills in a one-person business to foster adaptability and long-term prosperity?
LITERATURE REVIEW BY RHIZOMATIC MAP
Research was conducted to establish a foundation for meaningful conversations with users and stakeholders. A rhizomatic map was used to connect diverse insights, revealing four key topics: procrastination, independence, creativity, and working alone.
USER RESEARCH
Parallel to the literature review, field research was conducted through interviews, bringing in real-world experiences and insights from self-employed individuals.
INSIGHTS
1# The Accidental Manager - Many self-employed individuals are passionate about their work but struggle with business aspects such as marketing, finance, and management.
2# Reaction vs. Initiative - Business owners often find themselves reacting to urgent issues rather than proactively initiating growth-oriented activities.
3# Start with Creativity - Creativity plays a crucial role in shaping a business, yet it often gets deprioritized due to operational demands.
4# Creative Procrastination - Many business owners delay acting on creative ideas, waiting for a "better time" that may never come.
5# Safe Space for Experiments - A risk-free environment is essential for fostering innovation and creative problem-solving.
PERSONAS
Five self-employed business owner profiles were created to highlight their business type, motivations, and creative challenges.
PROTOTYPES
Design research was tested through interactive prototypes to predict user needs and challenges.
#1 Experiment - What Can You Develop in 30 Minutes?
Using the "Six Thinking Hats" method, participants were given 30 minutes to develop a business idea and evaluate it from different perspectives.
Conclusions: The time constraint initially felt restrictive but ultimately encouraged structured thinking and new perspectives.
#2 Experiment - Visual Discussion
A public event was used to gather insights through interactive boards where self-employed individuals shared experiences and solutions.
Conclusions: Professional loneliness is a significant challenge, and both passive (working in public spaces) and active (networking and learning) solutions are needed.
#3 Experiment - Imagination as a Planning Tool
A structured tool was developed for self-employed individuals to identify uncertainties, brainstorm ideas, and create a work plan through visualization.
Steps:
Step 1: Business Profile- Reflect on business intentions, strengths, and motivations.
Step 2: Identifying Uncertainties - Use a matrix to categorize business risks.
Step 3: Storyboarding- Visualize and plan each step in the business development process.
