Our first step was to identify possible users through in-person interviews. We used simple either/or questions to get a sense of what problems people encounter when working in shared spaces. From those insights, we defined different types of users based on their feelings about sharing space while working.
We interviewed a cross section of users to create a persona.
Our user's name is Lola, that's her with the braided hair. She was working in a cafe down the street from a co-working space. She didn't feel comfortable going there; she feels like an outsider because she's not affiliated with Stanford or the tech industry. "The entrance isn't inviting, I couldn't even walk in there, I wouldn't know what to do."
We wondered how we might create an inclusive space that feels welcoming.
From our brainstorming session, we were able to create a solution. The coworking space had to feel welcoming at the front door, and it had to be obvious what you could do there. It had to have a variety of things that you could do beyond quiet solo work.
We determined that people want to work together but they also want a choice between different environments. We defined 3 zones: Work - individual quiet spaces, Share - collaborative spaces for established or ad hoc groups, and Play - for noisy work sessions. Each work zone is color-coded so it's very clear where to go, and not to go, for different work environments.
Then we took our prototype out for testing. The color coding starts at the front door, a visitor can clearly see how to get to the zone he wants without looking at a directory. Icons reinforce the concept for locals and international visitors.
Our users were very comfortable with the idea of zones within a co-working space. They all found value in choice, even if they might only use one or two of the zones.
We also created (but were unable to test) a simple method to encourage collaboration between strangers. People open to collaboration would take a green disk and place it on their workspace. By signaling that they welcome collaboration, the barrier between strangers is removed and it becomes far easier to form casual connections with fellow coworkers.
Lola now feels that she is welcome in the co-working space. She often spends time in the collaborative section. Because of that, she met a neighbor who was very interested in her work. They now work together at the co-working space and often invite friends and colleagues to meet them. She no longer feels isolated from the Stanford and techie crowds; she's part of a coworking community.
Here's the persona I developed for Lola. This wasn't part of the class, I did it for myself. Disclaimer: The drawing isn't mine. I like this hand drawn look because it lets us imagine her as the real Lola. If I used a stock photo she might take on, or lose, characteristics.
