Research, Redesign, Research, Redesign…
Although there are already some platforms that provide users with information about local cultural events, they are rather dispersed and lack a platform that consolidates this information. Therefore, my initial idea for this project was to charge users for the information about local cultural events that the website integrates. However, after interviewing two potential users (university students interested in cultural events), I discovered that the target audience, despite anticipating the existence of such a platform, are unwilling to pay for the integrated information alone. Additionally, through communication with the target audience, I discovered that some of them would purchase souvenirs or merchandise related to cultural events. Therefore, I redesigned the monetization model.
The incorporated cultural event information would serve as a hook for users to visit this website. In addition, the website will provide premium services where users can subscribe to receive discounts on certain events and merchandise (other benefits will be confirmed later). Moreover, once with sufficient traffic, the website can collaborate with organizations that sell merchandise and assist them in publishing product information for commissions. With this concept in mind, I conducted interviews with more potential consumers and cultural organizations respectively.
White collars with interest in cultural events are selected as core users. Due to their busy work schedule, they need more efficient ways to acquire information about cultural events. Meanwhile, they have higher incomes and are more likely to pay for cultural events and related merchandise. It is noteworthy that many of the students I interviewed also spend a significant amount of money on cultural products; therefore, I would expand the core audience to include young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 who value work-life balance and enjoy spending leisure time on cultural activities. Regarding businesses, I discovered there are cultural organizations and merchants interested in posting event and product information on such a website.
The subsequent data collection and website design will be based on the analysis of user requirements and business objectives discussed above.
The overview on the prospect of this project can be found here.
