INSIGHT
SMC Impact was a UX group project where we focus on bringing SMC community together for Performing Art Center(PAC) student. Unlike the main campus, PAC located on 11th St of Santa Monica does not get as much attention as it should. For this project, we created a system thru research and testing, where we could share information about applied music program and other performances that goes on at PAC.
Role: Researcher, Interviewer, Recorder, Performer (Presentation), Presenter.
Research
First, we did research as a group on what was going on and what was lacking. While the PAC building was absolutely stunning and modern, the campus it self was quiet and lack students at most of the time we visited. They had few fliers and posters inside of the building but unless you are a student there or is highly interested, you would either miss it or most likely won't look for it. After the research and observation phase, we also interviewed students to get more in-depth ideas about the campus and the programs offered. Furthermore, we also did a interview with stakeholders to see what they thought was needed.
Persona | Concept Development
After the research phase, with accumulated information from the interviews, we created a persona that could represent the students at the PAC. Then we started sharing ideas and concepts that could possibly bring more attraction overall.
As shown above in the concept posters, our original idea was a pop up stand. A movable stage where PAC students can perform at different locations and maybe also share pamphlets and fliers about the programs. However, we have faced difficulties when we realized that students will require big vehicle, chaperone, and possibly lots of funding if we wanted to make our original concept possible. After this realization, our group spent many hours brainstorming, and came our final concept, SMC IMPACT. Impact was a system of group of students who will do exactly same thing as above, share fliers or perform, BUT they won't be using stage and requires a lot of funding and commitment.
Final Conclusion
While we were prototyping the Team IMPACT™, we saw definite show of interests while there was a music performing. Even though, we were only able to use small simple instruments, it could definitely gain a lot more attraction with more developed and skilled musicians. Playing music that was well known to public and having public participate also allowed more personal connection between the team and the students. As we tested out this pop-up stand at both Performing Art Center and the SMC main campus, we came to a conclusion that we could hold these pop-up shows at three major events such as club rows, VIP Day, and resource fair. However, these are not exclusive at these events and is flexible to be held at many more events. We could also partner up with off-campus locations like Starbucks and restaurants. These will allow more non-SMC related personals to know not only about SMC or its campuses but the programs and events that are being offered which could possibly lead to increase in overall ticket sales. While there are a lot more ideas and development that could happen to this idea, I believe that what we have is a solid start to the idea and is open to a lot more greater things.