Kickstarter
Kickstarter
FINAL DESIGN
Prototype
TAKEAWAYS
Future Steps
Following Steps
This project's objective was to create a subscription model for donors to contribute to creators' projects After conducting user interviews, we realized that people wanted easily accessible access to creator resources. Even though the objective was accomplished, there are a few steps left that could improve the user's experience even further.
High Priority
A “next available” appointment option
Ability to submit a free response for the reason for the visit
Medium Priority
Creator Mentorship Program
Connecting Creators with Private Investors/Venture Capitalists
Low Priority
Live chat function
Reflections
What Do the Users Want.
After receiving the prompt of creating a subscription service, my team and I work diligently to create questions and center our research around crown-source funding sites with similar business models. From conducting user research, we discovered that creators wanted a more direct way to find all the resources before starting a project. With that information, we quickly changed gears and abandoned the original project idea. The purpose of creating is to create products that users actually want, not what we think they need.
Take the Time to Assess.
I learned a lot from my peers during this project. One member, in particular, gave me a new perspective on how to conduct user research. While the team would ideate from the research, that particular team member would stop us and say, “how exactly does this correlate to the research?” We would sit and ponder, just to realize that it was what we thought the users wanted instead of what they were telling us they wanted. That quote has helped me with every project I’ve completed since then.
Have Fun.
With this being one of my first projects, it became stressful when it seemed like were we weren’t getting things right. I often found myself sharing bits of optimism throughout the project because I felt so grateful that I was able to work with such a talented group that I was able to learn so much.
Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a crowdsourcing platform that enables people to finance projects published on their website. They cover a range of topics, including technology, art, design, video games, and music. Through the direct assistance of others, several ambitious, creative, and innovative ideas are brought to life.
OUR PROMPT
Aspiring Kickstarter creators need clear, accessible resources and personalized guidance to determine whether their project is a good fit for the platform. If they decide to move forward, they should also have access to ongoing support that empowers them to build, launch, and sustain a successful campaign.
TIMELINE
June 2022–July 2022
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
DISCIPLINE
Design
Research
TEAM
4 persons
TOOLS
Figma
Trello
Otter
Maze
UserTesting
Google Sheets Google Surveys
RESEARCH
Understanding the Problem
Over 60% of Kickstarter tech creators lacked effective pre-launch tools, impacting campaign momentum and funding success. (Design Science, 2022)
Kickstarter may be one of the top crowdfunding platforms, but after comparing its creator features with other sites, I found a few standout tools that aren’t commonly used — and they could be a game-changer if added to Kickstarter. These gaps show a real opportunity to improve the experience for creators and boost campaign success.
Kickstarter is a crowdsourcing platform that enables people to finance projects published on their website. They cover a range of topics, including technology, art, design, video games, and music. Through the direct assistance of others, several ambitious, creative, and innovative ideas are brought to life.
OUR PROMPT
Aspiring Kickstarter creators need clear, accessible resources and personalized guidance to determine whether their project is a good fit for the platform. If they decide to move forward, they should also have access to ongoing support that empowers them to build, launch, and sustain a successful campaign.
TIMELINE
June 2022–July 2022
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
DISCIPLINE
Design
Research
TEAM
4 persons
TOOLS
Figma
Trello
Otter
Maze
UserTesting
Google Sheets
Google Surveys
Kickstarter is a crowdsourcing platform that enables people to finance projects published on their website. They cover a range of topics, including technology, art, design, video games, and music. Through the direct assistance of others, several ambitious, creative, and innovative ideas are brought to life.
OUR PROMPT
Aspiring Kickstarter creators need clear, accessible resources and personalized guidance to determine whether their project is a good fit for the platform. If they decide to move forward, they should also have access to ongoing support that empowers them to build, launch, and sustain a successful campaign.
TIMELINE
June 2022–July 2022
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
DISCIPLINE
Design
Research
TEAM
4 persons
TOOLS
Figma
Trello
Otter
Maze
UserTesting
Google Sheets Google Surveys
RESEARCH
Understanding the Problem
Over 60% of Kickstarter tech creators lacked effective pre-launch tools, impacting campaign momentum and funding success. (Design Science, 2022)
Kickstarter may be one of the top crowdfunding platforms, but after comparing its creator features with other sites, I found a few standout tools that aren’t commonly used — and they could be a game-changer if added to Kickstarter. These gaps show a real opportunity to improve the experience for creators and boost campaign success.
Direct
Indirect
RESEARCH
Understanding the Problem
Over 60% of Kickstarter tech creators lacked effective pre-launch tools, impacting campaign momentum and funding success. (Design Science, 2022)
Kickstarter may be one of the top crowdfunding platforms, but after comparing its creator features with other sites, I found a few standout tools that aren’t commonly used — and they could be a game-changer if added to Kickstarter. These gaps show a real opportunity to improve the experience for creators and boost campaign success.
Identifying Gaps in the Creator Experience
I conducted a competitive analysis comparing Kickstarter to platforms like Indiegogo, GoFundMe, and Patreon, focusing on areas such as creator support, community features, and accessibility of resources. While Kickstarter stands out for its credibility and project visibility, it falls short in offering direct communication tools and centralized support for creators. These findings revealed clear opportunities to enhance the overall creator experience and guided the direction of my feature solutions.
Unique Value Propositions
There were key elements featured on competitor websites that were missing from the Kickstarter’s platform, including:
Creator forum. Area for creators to communicate with other creators on the platform.
Contact. A means for creators to get in touch with Kickstarter directly.
Mentorship. Experts in the field who can serve as guides for creators.
Live chat. If a creator has any problems with their project, they may get in touch with Kickstarter immediately.
Creators connect. Creators reach out to other creators for assistance with their projects.
Discovery
To kick off the discovery phase, we created separate interview question sets for crowdfunding creators and contributors. Creator questions focused on project details, crowdfunding experience, and thoughts on customized rewards, while contributor questions explored donation habits, frequency, and views on recurring payments for exclusive perks.
Goal: Understand challenges with support, communication, and community engagement.
Can you walk me through your experience launching a Kickstarter campaign?
What resources or tools did you use during your campaign, and how easy were they to find?
Have you ever tried to contact Kickstarter support? If so, how was that experience?
What kind of support would you have found helpful during your campaign?
Did you feel like there was a community of creators you could lean on? Why or why not?
How valuable would a live chat or direct contact option with Kickstarter staff be to you?
Would a community forum where you could connect with other creators be something you'd actively use? Why or why not?
Goal: Explore donation habits, perceptions of incentives, and interest in recurring support.
What motivates you to contribute to a Kickstarter campaign?
How often do you donate to crowdfunding projects?
What kind of rewards or incentives encourage you to support a project?
Have you ever made a recurring contribution to a creator? Why or why not?
Would exclusive perks or content make you more likely to support a creator monthly?
Do you prefer more communication from creators after donating, or less?
How likely would you be to join a forum or online community to engage with creators or other backers?
Being able to talk to someone to ask questions and also gain insights about what to avoid or what really worked would have been really beneficial. -SF
The UI feels a bit confusing. I'd appreciate a campaign template and clearer image selection options to streamline the process. -TG
I would want current creators to share lessons, tips, and other useful advice from their experience. -AS
Wants education materials on how to best use the platform for her business -KT
Would definitely be open to mentoring, but would be curious how much someone would charge and if success is guaranteed. -CG
Identifying Gaps in the Creator Experience
I conducted a competitive analysis comparing Kickstarter to platforms like Indiegogo, GoFundMe, and Patreon, focusing on areas such as creator support, community features, and accessibility of resources. While Kickstarter stands out for its credibility and project visibility, it falls short in offering direct communication tools and centralized support for creators. These findings revealed clear opportunities to enhance the overall creator experience and guided the direction of my feature solutions.
Unique Value Propositions
There were key elements featured on competitor websites that were missing from the Kickstarter’s platform, including:
Creator forum. Area for creators to communicate with other creators on the platform.
Contact. A means for creators to get in touch with Kickstarter directly.
Mentorship. Experts in the field who can serve as guides for creators.
Live chat. If a creator has any problems with their project, they may get in touch with Kickstarter immediately.
Creators connect. Creators reach out to other creators for assistance with their projects.
Discovery
To kick off the discovery phase, we created separate interview question sets for crowdfunding creators and contributors. Creator questions focused on project details, crowdfunding experience, and thoughts on customized rewards, while contributor questions explored donation habits, frequency, and views on recurring payments for exclusive perks.
Goal: Understand challenges with support, communication, and community engagement.
Can you walk me through your experience launching a Kickstarter campaign?
What resources or tools did you use during your campaign, and how easy were they to find?
Have you ever tried to contact Kickstarter support? If so, how was that experience?
What kind of support would you have found helpful during your campaign?
Did you feel like there was a community of creators you could lean on? Why or why not?
How valuable would a live chat or direct contact option with Kickstarter staff be to you?
Would a community forum where you could connect with other creators be something you'd actively use? Why or why not?
Goal: Explore donation habits, perceptions of incentives, and interest in recurring support.
What motivates you to contribute to a Kickstarter campaign?
How often do you donate to crowdfunding projects?
What kind of rewards or incentives encourage you to support a project?
Have you ever made a recurring contribution to a creator? Why or why not?
Would exclusive perks or content make you more likely to support a creator monthly?
Do you prefer more communication from creators after donating, or less?
How likely would you be to join a forum or online community to engage with creators or other backers?
Being able to talk to someone to ask questions and also gain insights about what to avoid or what really worked would have been really beneficial. -SF
The UI feels a bit confusing. I'd appreciate a campaign template and clearer image selection options to streamline the process. -TG
I would want current creators to share lessons, tips, and other useful advice from their experience. -AS
Wants education materials on how to best use the platform for her
business -KT
Would definitely be open to mentoring, but would be curious how much someone would charge and if success is guaranteed. -CG
Unique Value Propositions
There were key elements featured on competitor websites that were missing from the Kickstarter’s platform, including:
Creator forum. Area for creators to communicate with other creators on the platform.
Contact. A means for creators to get in touch with Kickstarter directly.
Mentorship. Experts in the field who can serve as guides for creators.
Live chat. If a creator has any problems with their project, they may get in touch with Kickstarter immediately.
Creators connect. Creators reach out to other creators for assistance with their projects.
Discovery
To kick off the discovery phase, we created separate interview question sets for crowdfunding creators and contributors. Creator questions focused on project details, crowdfunding experience, and thoughts on customized rewards, while contributor questions explored donation habits, frequency, and views on recurring payments for exclusive perks.
Goal: Understand challenges with support, communication, and community engagement.
Can you walk me through your experience launching a Kickstarter campaign?
What resources or tools did you use during your campaign, and how easy were they to find?
Have you ever tried to contact Kickstarter support? If so, how was that experience?
What kind of support would you have found helpful during your campaign?
Did you feel like there was a community of creators you could lean on? Why or why not?
How valuable would a live chat or direct contact option with Kickstarter staff be to you?
Would a community forum where you could connect with other creators be something you'd actively use? Why or why not?
Goal: Explore donation habits, perceptions of incentives, and interest in recurring support.
What motivates you to contribute to a Kickstarter campaign?
How often do you donate to crowdfunding projects?
What kind of rewards or incentives encourage you to support a project?
Have you ever made a recurring contribution to a creator? Why or why not?
Would exclusive perks or content make you more likely to support a creator monthly?
Do you prefer more communication from creators after donating, or less?
How likely would you be to join a forum or online community to engage with creators or other backers?
Being able to talk to someone to ask questions and also gain insights about what to avoid or what really worked would have been really beneficial. -SF
The UI feels a bit confusing. I'd appreciate a campaign template and clearer image selection options to streamline the process. -TG
I would want current creators to share lessons, tips, and other useful advice from their experience. -AS
Wants education materials on how to best use the platform for her
business -KT
Would definitely be open to mentoring, but would be curious how much someone would charge and if success is guaranteed. -CG
85% of interviewees stated that they would’ve wanted more resources and clarity on the crowd-source funding process prior to starting a campaign.
Opportunity Statement
Many aspiring Kickstarter creators struggle to find accessible resources and clear guidance to determine if their project aligns with the platform’s expectations. Even after deciding to launch, they often lack the ongoing support needed to navigate the process and run a successful campaign.
How might we provide aspiring Kickstarter creators with accessible resources and ongoing support to help them assess platform fit and confidently launch successful campaigns?
Key Insights
From user interviews, I identified key needs among Kickstarter creators: quicker access to community resources, the ability to directly contact Kickstarter and speak with a representative, and a dedicated community forum to foster communication and support among creators.
Resource Access
Direct Support
Creator Forum
Opportunity Statement
Many aspiring Kickstarter creators struggle to find accessible resources and clear guidance to determine if their project aligns with the platform’s expectations. Even after deciding to launch, they often lack the ongoing support needed to navigate the process and run a successful campaign.
How might we provide aspiring Kickstarter creators with accessible resources and ongoing support to help them assess platform fit and confidently launch successful campaigns?
Key Insights
From user interviews, I identified key needs among Kickstarter creators: quicker access to community resources, the ability to directly contact Kickstarter and speak with a representative, and a dedicated community forum to foster communication and support among creators.
Resource Access
Direct Support
Creator Forum
DESIGN
Early Concept
Streamlined Creator Resources
I added a Creator Resources link to the top navigation, giving creators quick access to key tools—like the previously hard-to-find Creator Handbook—all in one centralized location.
New Community Hub
To address creators’ desire for connection, we introduced a Community Forum and Announcement Board—a new feature on Kickstarter where creators can share updates, ask questions, and support one another.
Direct Support Option
Creators wanted more personal support, so we introduced a feature allowing them to contact Kickstarter representatives directly, moving beyond the current email-only system.
TESTING
Results
Usability testing revealed a significant improvement in performance between the mid-fidelity and high-fidelity designs. The Hi-Fi prototype reduced task completion time by over 50%, dropping from 4.5 minutes to just 2.18 minutes. Additionally, the misclick rate decreased from 54% to 33%, while the success rate rose from 80% to 90%, indicating clearer navigation and improved usability. The bounce rate also improved, dropping from 20% to 10%, suggesting that users were more engaged and confident in completing their tasks. These results validated the effectiveness of the design refinements made in the Hi-Fi version.
Completion Time
Misclick Rate
Success Rate
Bounce Rate
Mid-Fi Deisgn
4.5 min
54%
80%
20%
Hi-Fi Design
2.18 min
33%
90%
10%
DESIGN
Early Concept
Streamlined Creator Resources
I added a Creator Resources link to the top navigation, giving creators quick access to key tools—like the previously hard-to-find Creator Handbook—all in one centralized location.
New Community Hub
To address creators’ desire for connection, we introduced a Community Forum and Announcement Board—a new feature on Kickstarter where creators can share updates, ask questions, and support one another.
Direct Support Option
Creators wanted more personal support, so we introduced a feature allowing them to contact Kickstarter representatives directly, moving beyond the current email-only system.
TESTING
Results
Usability testing revealed a significant improvement in performance between the mid-fidelity and high-fidelity designs. The Hi-Fi prototype reduced task completion time by over 50%, dropping from 4.5 minutes to just 2.18 minutes. Additionally, the misclick rate decreased from 54% to 33%, while the success rate rose from 80% to 90%, indicating clearer navigation and improved usability. The bounce rate also improved, dropping from 20% to 10%, suggesting that users were more engaged and confident in completing their tasks. These results validated the effectiveness of the design refinements made in the Hi-Fi version.
Creator Resources Findability
Following updates made based on user feedback, we decreased the time to find the creator resources page from 44 seconds on Mid-Fi, to 6 seconds on Hi-Fi - 2 minutes and 54 seconds faster than Kickstarter’s current site.
Kickstarter’s Site
Time to find creator resources: 3 minutes
Mid-Fi Prototype
Time to find creator resources: 44 seconds
Hi-Fi Prototype
Time to find creator resources: 6 seconds
Opportunity Statement
Many aspiring Kickstarter creators struggle to find accessible resources and clear guidance to determine if their project aligns with the platform’s expectations. Even after deciding to launch, they often lack the ongoing support needed to navigate the process and run a successful campaign.
How might we provide aspiring Kickstarter creators with accessible resources and ongoing support to help them assess platform fit and confidently launch successful campaigns?
Key Insights
From user interviews, I identified key needs among Kickstarter creators: quicker access to community resources, the ability to directly contact Kickstarter and speak with a representative, and a dedicated community forum to foster communication and support among creators.
Resource Access
Direct Support
Creator Forum
DESIGN
Early Concept
Streamlined Creator Resources
I added a Creator Resources link to the top navigation, giving creators quick access to key tools—like the previously hard-to-find Creator Handbook—all in one centralized location.
New Community Hub
To address creators’ desire for connection, we introduced a Community Forum and Announcement Board—a new feature on Kickstarter where creators can share updates, ask questions, and support one another.
Direct Support Option
Creators wanted more personal support, so we introduced a feature allowing them to contact Kickstarter representatives directly, moving beyond the current email-only system.
TESTING
Results
Usability testing revealed a significant improvement in performance between the mid-fidelity and high-fidelity designs. The Hi-Fi prototype reduced task completion time by over 50%, dropping from 4.5 minutes to just 2.18 minutes. Additionally, the misclick rate decreased from 54% to 33%, while the success rate rose from 80% to 90%, indicating clearer navigation and improved usability. The bounce rate also improved, dropping from 20% to 10%, suggesting that users were more engaged and confident in completing their tasks. These results validated the effectiveness of the design refinements made in the Hi-Fi version.
Completion Time
Misclick Rate
Success Rate
Bounce Rate
Mid-Fi Deisgn
4.5 min
54%
80%
20%
Hi-Fi Design
2.18 min
33%
90%
10%
Kickstarter’s Site
Time to find creator resources: 3 minutes
Mid-Fi Prototype
Time to find creator resources: 44 seconds
Hi-Fi Prototype
Time to find creator resources: 6 seconds
Creator Resources Findability
Following updates made based on user feedback, we decreased the time to find the creator resources page from 44 seconds on Mid-Fi, to 6 seconds on Hi-Fi - 2 minutes and 54 seconds faster than Kickstarter’s current site.
Kickstarter’s Site
Time to find creator resources: 3 minutes
Mid-Fi Prototype
Time to find creator resources: 44 seconds
Hi-Fi Prototype
Time to find creator resources: 6 seconds
Kickstarter
Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a powerful platform that helps creators bring their ideas to life through community-backed funding. However, through user research and feedback, it became clear that creators often face challenges navigating scattered resources, limited support access, and a lack of peer connection. To address these pain points, I reimagined the creator experience by designing a set of features focused on accessibility, community, and streamlined support—ultimately making it easier for creators to launch, manage, and succeed in their campaigns.
Kickstarter is a powerful platform that helps creators bring their ideas to life through community-backed funding. However, through user research and feedback, it became clear that creators often face challenges navigating scattered resources, limited support access, and a lack of peer connection. To address these pain points, I reimagined the creator experience by designing a set of features focused on accessibility, community, and streamlined support—ultimately making it easier for creators to launch, manage, and succeed in their campaigns.
Creator’s Corner (Centralized Resource Hub)
The Creator’s Corner is a newly added section in the main navigation bar designed specifically for Kickstarter creators. It serves as a centralized hub where users can access all essential resources, including campaign guides, tutorials, success stories, and platform tips. By consolidating these tools in one easily accessible place, the Creator’s Corner streamlines the process of launching and managing a campaign, reducing friction for both new and experienced users.
Creator-to-Creator Chat System
Within the Creator’s Corner, a chat feature allows creators to directly message one another. This fosters collaboration, peer-to-peer support, and community engagement. Creators can search for others by project type, category, or campaign stage, making it easier to connect with those facing similar challenges or seeking feedback from like-minded individuals.
Direct Contact with Kickstarter Support
To improve customer support, I introduced a feature that allows creators to contact Kickstarter directly through a built-in messaging system. This feature provides a faster, more efficient way to get help with campaign-related issues such as payments, guidelines, or technical difficulties. Support requests can be categorized to ensure they are routed to the appropriate team, improving response times and user satisfaction.
Enhanced Profile Dropdown Menu
The user profile dropdown has been redesigned to include quick-access links to the new Creator’s Corner and Community features. This ensures that creators can easily navigate to the tools and spaces they use most. The dropdown also includes access to account settings and campaign dashboards, providing a more streamlined and intuitive user experience overall.
Creator’s Corner (Centralized Resource Hub)
The Creator’s Corner is a newly added section in the main navigation bar designed specifically for Kickstarter creators. It serves as a centralized hub where users can access all essential resources, including campaign guides, tutorials, success stories, and platform tips. By consolidating these tools in one easily accessible place, the Creator’s Corner streamlines the process of launching and managing a campaign, reducing friction for both new and experienced users.
Creator-to-Creator Chat System
Within the Creator’s Corner, a chat feature allows creators to directly message one another. This fosters collaboration, peer-to-peer support, and community engagement. Creators can search for others by project type, category, or campaign stage, making it easier to connect with those facing similar challenges or seeking feedback from like-minded individuals.
Direct Contact with Kickstarter Support
To improve customer support, I introduced a feature that allows creators to contact Kickstarter directly through a built-in messaging system. This feature provides a faster, more efficient way to get help with campaign-related issues such as payments, guidelines, or technical difficulties. Support requests can be categorized to ensure they are routed to the appropriate team, improving response times and user satisfaction.
Enhanced Profile Dropdown Menu
The user profile dropdown has been redesigned to include quick-access links to the new Creator’s Corner and Community features. This ensures that creators can easily navigate to the tools and spaces they use most. The dropdown also includes access to account settings and campaign dashboards, providing a more streamlined and intuitive user experience overall.
TAKEAWAYS
Future Steps
FINAL DESIGN
Prototype
Following Steps
This project's objective was to create a subscription model for donors to contribute to creators' projects After conducting user interviews, we realized that people wanted easily accessible access to creator resources. Even though the objective was accomplished, there are a few steps left that could improve the user's experience even further.
High Priority
A “next available” appointment option
Ability to submit a free response for the reason for the visit
Medium Priority
Creator Mentorship Program
Connecting Creators with Private Investors/Venture Capitalists
Low Priority
Live chat function
Reflections
What Do the Users Want.
After receiving the prompt of creating a subscription service, my team and I work diligently to create questions and center our research around crown-source funding sites with similar business models. From conducting user research, we discovered that creators wanted a more direct way to find all the resources before starting a project. With that information, we quickly changed gears and abandoned the original project idea. The purpose of creating is to create products that users actually want, not what we think they need.
Take the Time to Assess.
I learned a lot from my peers during this project. One member, in particular, gave me a new perspective on how to conduct user research. While the team would ideate from the research, that particular team member would stop us and say, “how exactly does this correlate to the research?” We would sit and ponder, just to realize that it was what we thought the users wanted instead of what they were telling us they wanted. That quote has helped me with every project I’ve completed since then.
Have Fun.
With this being one of my first projects, it became stressful when it seemed like were we weren’t getting things right. I often found myself sharing bits of optimism throughout the project because I felt so grateful that I was able to work with such a talented group that I was able to learn so much.
TAKEAWAYS
Future Steps
Following Steps
This project's objective was to create a subscription model for donors to contribute to creators' projects After conducting user interviews, we realized that people wanted easily accessible access to creator resources. Even though the objective was accomplished, there are a few steps left that could improve the user's experience even further.
High Priority
A “next available” appointment option
Ability to submit a free response for the reason for the visit
Medium Priority
Creator Mentorship Program
Connecting Creators with Private Investors/Venture Capitalists
Low Priority
Live chat function
Reflections
What Do the Users Want.
After receiving the prompt of creating a subscription service, my team and I work diligently to create questions and center our research around crown-source funding sites with similar business models. From conducting user research, we discovered that creators wanted a more direct way to find all the resources before starting a project. With that information, we quickly changed gears and abandoned the original project idea. The purpose of creating is to create products that users actually want, not what we think they need.
Take the Time to Assess.
I learned a lot from my peers during this project. One member, in particular, gave me a new perspective on how to conduct user research. While the team would ideate from the research, that particular team member would stop us and say, “how exactly does this correlate to the research?” We would sit and ponder, just to realize that it was what we thought the users wanted instead of what they were telling us they wanted. That quote has helped me with every project I’ve completed since then.
Have Fun.
With this being one of my first projects, it became stressful when it seemed like were we weren’t getting things right. I often found myself sharing bits of optimism throughout the project because I felt so grateful that I was able to work with such a talented group that I was able to learn so much.
Estee Lauder