CASE STUDY
Guiding Chicago youth toward a happy, stable future
BACKGROUND
A Pew Research Study shows that the largest group of smartphone owners
(by age) are 18 - 29 year olds; and since in many low income areas young
adults are likely to own smartphones, but not computers, the YMCA wants to
create a virtual portal that enables young adults around Los Angeles to
engage in this program.
OBJECTIVE
How might theYMCA create an accessible and friendly
portal to engage and empower young adults in learning relevant life skills?
DISCOVERY
Finances were at the top of their priority list
“I don’t have a single friend who is excited about their financial future.”
PAIN POINTS
We conducted user interviews with 18-29 year old young adults. Our goal was to understand how they view life stability in regard to professional development, finances, and health.
• I feel stressed when I think about my future.
• I experience roadblocks.
• I wish I took action sooner.
• I am not motivated.
• I don't understand the complicated language financial books use.
JOURNEY MAP
Stable Life is becoming less and less of a realistic goal
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Young adults in Los Angeles, California want to have a stable life as they enter adulthood. They have little support to build financial security because they lack engaging resources of information, and struggle to stay accountable. This can
deter them from staying motivated and proactive in making important personal life decisions.
Young adults need an empowering, actionable tool to help them make the right decisions for a stable future.
“Information is power.”
LEARNING AND INSIGHTS
After getting to know the end users, their aspirations and pain points, we were able to focus or design strategy.
How might we…
Motivate young adults through positive reinforcement and actionable feedback?
Establish a community for open conversation about future planning?
Help young adults establish better financial habits?
SOLUTION
To empower young individuals to shape their future, YMCA has created a dedicated platform tailored to help them develop essential life skills. This virtual portal offers a range of tools and pertinent information to assist in setting both short-term and long-term personal goals.
