Colab – Connecting Communities Through Local Workshops

Colab is a platform designed to make local workshops more accessible and visible to communities. The app functions as a digital billboard where workshop hosts and attendees can connect, share, and discover new opportunities. Colab offers both a space to advertise current workshops and a way for users to express interest in workshops they’d like to see.

The goal of Colab was to support local workshop communities by addressing two common barriers: visibility and accessibility. Initial research included analyzing local offerings and conducting interviews with workshop hosts, revealing the diversity and unique structure of each workshop. From casual gatherings to regular events, Colab was designed to adapt to these varying formats and needs.

Inclusive Design: Colab provides a flexible platform where different types of workshops, whether recurring or occasional, can be equally promoted and accessed.

User-Centric Development: Feedback from hosts and attendees informed every design choice, creating a tool that genuinely supports the community's needs.

The project included thorough research and testing to create a user-friendly experience:

Local Workshop Analysis and Interviews: Initial research highlighted a need for a platform that adapts to diverse workshop formats and user expectations.

Scope Mapping and Concept Development: A comprehensive scope map guided the app’s development, ensuring it met both community demands and individual preferences.

User Interface and Feature Testing: Iterative design and testing resulted in a streamlined platform that balances visibility for hosts with easy discovery for attendees.

Workshop Advertising: Local workshops can be easily promoted on a digital platform, expanding their reach within the community.

Community Wishlists: Users can suggest or request workshops they’d like to see, giving hosts insight into local demand.

Flexible Scheduling Options: From regular events to pop-up workshops, Colab accommodates various formats to serve both hosts and attendees.

Colab fosters local community engagement by making workshops more visible and accessible. This project showcases how design and research can support niche communities, providing a digital space for meaningful connections and learning opportunities.