design research | prototyping | interaction design

Team

Manali Mohanty, Mia Pond, Wolfe Erikson

Client

Constelar, Costa Rica (supported by CRUSA Foundation)

Constelar is a non-profit which seeks to promote, facilitate and strengthen the participation of Costa Rican women in entrepreneurial careers in STEAM. Constelar envisions an inclusive Costa Rica, where opportunities to take entrepreneurial paths in STEAM are available to all women. Critical to this ecosystem is a robust network of next generation talent. They currently have a program called FENIX, academic clubs that supports connection and learning amongst students, professors, researchers, and graduates of universities.

FENIX is a key component of the Constelar initiative that is at a critical transition point- from a centrally managed program to a self-driven community. They are also exploring new models and offerings to strengthen this bridge.

The Brief

Co-create and clarify the Fenix community 2.0 that is self driven by student leaders and meets the diverse entrepreneurial needs for women in STEAM.

Process

We conducted interviews with students, mentors and Constelar board members, participatory workshops and prototype review sessions. Insights synthesized from these sessions informed the final design solution - an icebreaker tool.

Outcome

Cómo Se Dice, an icebreaker tool, aims to spark dialogue during online meetings and to encourage socializing among Fenix members.  Users roll the two virtual dice to select a question and initiate conversation among their peers. Questions range from the personal to the professional, touching on subjects like personal dreams and workplace gender equality. 

Cómo Se Dice hopes to transform meetings from informational sessions to moments of sharing and relationship building. By sparking conversation, students are able to know each other as students, professionals, women, and build the bonds that will sustain the greater Fenix community.