Problem Statement & Question:

How can design encourage young minority students to become educated in programming technologies?

Audience Definition & Characteristics:

Stakeholders: High School minority students who may seek career options in  programing technologies

What social behavior do you want to change?

Looking to change the perception of unrepresented minorities in computer science occupations 

How will you measure the results?

Survey of those interested before and after our solution

During our group meeting we decided that Seft would be the best person to meet up with. We have contacted him and will met sometime next week. Seft has already told us that there are some tech education programs for us to explore and we hope use that in whatever final project we pursue.

Some background research we did come to is that there is are only 3 high schools East of Troost. This seem astounding. Two of those high schools (Northeast and East; Public) are located very Northeast and have high student count and diversity. We plan on targeting those high schools and using high school students as the ones to impact with our cause.

15 Scenerios:

1. Parents shopping for their children

2. College students looking for back to school clothes

3. College students looking to make extra cash off of old clothes

4. High school students without transportation

5. Men looking for a quick shopping experience

6. Single men avoiding an actual shopping experience (actually visiting stores)

7. Young adults looking for sales update from their favorite stores

8. Parents looking for stores coming out with seasonal clothes early, in order to get their shopping done before the crowds

9. Girls learning how to match cosmetics to clothes

10. Friends looking give clothes based off someones likes on their  profile

11. Boys looking for how to's on how to tie dye

12. College students looking for thrift stores within a 5 mile radius of their house

13. Young adults looking to keep track of how much they spend on clothes, shopping on a budget

14. young adults looking for their styles and their size at local stores, i.e. "made in Kansas City"

15. Young adults looking for recommendation based off previous searches not just purchases

16. Young adults looking for specific trend styles (categories)

Inspiration


Application:
  

Website:

These are examples of interfaces already integrating a lot of ideas we have in mind. We want to incorporate the idea of proximity effecting how you experience the app. Informing you on traders, stores or deals in the area. It will also allow for you to rate and build ratings to build your account trust amongst other shoppers. We want to make shopping as quick and convenient as it can be.

On the consumer level everyone wants nice quality cheap clothes. The issue is there is no where to buy them. If you are able to find something affordable you can assume there will be some issues with the garment. Cheap clothes are easier to make because of cheap production. Charles Manning says there is 7 reasons why the cheap clothes are cheap, "Designers like these because they can make clothes more forgiving and help hide fit issues that arise when you use flat, smooth seams. Also, sharply tailored garments are more difficult to make, more expensive, and can be worn by fewer people. Think about it — the better something fits you, the worse it is going to fit pretty much everyone else." This makes complete sense and creates the need for quality cheap clothes. There is no where to find new cheap clothes. This creates the need for trading.

To avoid issues like these some people have found alternatives. Such as thrift shopping and trading with others. Thrift stores are great for some. This allows for the consumer to have a chance at having something of quality but at a cheap price. Some consumers feel as though you have better chance of developing your own style in a thrift store. Versus seeing the trending fashion styles. Others feel as though thrifting is good for all purpose clothes, especially for dressing kids. Because kids do not carry the same value on clothes as much as an adult does. Some other things about thrifting is people say it is a less stressful experience. Because, "there’s a much smaller financial investment in each item, it’s not as hard to let go." For some people thrifting is a relaxing experience. For some they are overwhelmed by the amount of clothes they have and how big some are. This can create the idea of work and exercise for some. 

Then there is the community of DIY's. This community have resulted in creating things on their own. 

1. The app will allow an experience of quick and easy shopping. 
2. This will give shoppers a reliable source to go to for their clothing shopping needs. 
3. This will help young teens looking for new and cheap back to school clothes. 
4. This will assure parents and the shoppers that they are trading on a reliable network.
5. Having this will help people find clothing of all sorts in their size and style. 
6. This will also help people establish a sense of style for their self.
7. The app will introduce you to new sale items that you might be interested in. 
8. This will also give suggestions on items you may like. Based on previous purchases and watched items. 
9. This app will eliminate the exercising factor of walking around a store until you find something you like. 
10. This will also create a convenient interface for people to get quick items. 
11. The app will not only introduce you to styles and stores. But you can also find out how to maintain the clothes or how to create other creations. Using the item, such as distress denim or color dying. 
12.  This will also help young adults that do not have cars or rides to the shopping areas. 
13. This will also help young adults on budgets find affordable clothes that they will like. 
14. This will also help people find local creations. 
15. This will also help young adults earn money and new clothes by getting rid of old clothes. 

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/how-to/a31686/reasons-your-clothes-look-cheap/
http://www.treehugger.com/style/10-reasons-why-thrift-stores-are-awesome.html

Problem: Encourage young minority students to become educated in programming technologies. Help: Education system; to allow children to become exposed to a career path that could influence their education decisions later in life Reach: Young minority students in hopes that they spark an interest in coding and go in that career path rather than another dangerous alternative. Stakeholders

Internal: The designers

Black Overflow

External: Society Government CoderDojo KC Affects 

Positive: Minority kids being educated Diversity in higher education Families of the students in the program Neighborhoods in neglect

Negatively: Un-progressive people Needs for Audiences: Education of computer sciences Community building Volunteerism and sponsors Support: Our ideas change the needs of minority population by increasing their education level contributing positively to the low statistics of minorities in higher education (specifically in computer technologies). Communicating: Investors who will support our cause (wip).

Background Research: To get the ball rolling we had a conference call with Alona from Black Overflow to see her visions with her organization and where she sees us making an impact. One of her visions is to, "support the next generation of black students through community outreach and mentorship for underrepresented K-12 students." We are going to take on that branch here in Kansas City starting with high schoolers, giving lectures on the success, impact, and opportunities that programing technology and design can hold. It was a successful initial meeting and we plan to have more and communicate this way with their input and ideas.

“Graphic Agitation: Social and political graphics since the sixties”
This article brings great emphasis on how important visual designers are to the world. We help the progression of humanity by creating visual communication. Designers are used on all levels from propaganda to advocating good. I think our profession had more credibility in the 1800's because it was needed much more. But now it has become the norm so it is less glorified. Although design still plays an important role.

Sense of Community: A Definition and Theory
The quality of interaction is strong. If people are constantly working together they will automatically build respect for each other. Events that involve team work help build everyone together. This is where the community lacks. People are starting to lose connection with one another. Interacting with one another for events and projects can reinforce this connection.
I like the points that where being made. If someone is stubborn and already have their mind of how things should be. The community will not gravitate towards that person. Communities are looking for someone to work with them and understand them for them. Not come in and demand orders. They are wanting to build an emotional connection with the leader. So that they can trust you yo ensure things will get done.