Overview
Introduction
The Brief
The Problem
Our Users
The Solution
Mock Ups
Validation
Next Steps
Introduction
Hobbyists Stuck on the Sidelines
When pursuing a hobby in its early days, it's really hard to find people to learn from. People who really know what they're talking about.
In response to that problem, I created a platform called "Legitkraft." Legitkraft was envisioned as a place where:
Novices can learn from true experts and pioneers in niche hobbies.
Experts are rewarded with visibility, supplies and tools to keep creating, and sponsorship opportunities
The Brief
How can we facilitate mentorship in the hobby community?
I was tasked with creating a solution that helped users learn a new skill. I decided to hone in on hobbies because they offer people a break from the pressures of life and give them a chance to play, discover, and express themselves. No matter their walk of life.
I was inspired, in particular, by mechanical keyboards. A hobby that is now ubiquitous but was still considered a little odd back in 2012. I admired the keyboards my friend posted on social media but had no clue how to get off the sidelines and get started.
So I never got started.
The Problem
What are pain points of learning online?
I had my own ideas for the platform but I needed to know what other hobbyists wanted.
After interviewing 5 hobbyists, I discovered common pain points:
The hobby space is watered down by pseudo experts, profiteers, and clout chasers
Hobbies are expensive and costly to do the wrong way, especially with rare or vintage parts
Learning online can be difficult because few influencers actually know what they're talking about
It's hard for experts to develop a following without resorting to the antics of click baiting, clout chasing, or shock value content
Pseudo-Experts
Clout Chasers
Profiteers
User Archetypes
What specifics kinds of hobbyists are we helping?
I had my own ideas for the platform but I needed to know what other hobbyists wanted.
After interviewing 5 hobbyists, I discovered common pain points:
The hobby space is watered down by pseudo experts, profiteers, and clout chasers
Hobbies are expensive and costly to do the wrong way, especially with rare or vintage parts
Learning online can be difficult because few influencers actually know what they're talking about
It's hard for experts to develop a following without resorting to the antics of click baiting, clout chasing, or shock value content
The Solution
Game changing features
For my MVP, I developed and designed two features that would address these problems:
Livestreamed 1:1 Mentor sessions
This offered hobby novices direct access to hobby pioneers and experts
Their livestreamed session offers users access to a focused mentoring session
This also helps to develop community for hobbyists pursuing niche or burgeoning hobby spaces
"Props" Wishlist Contribution System
Users can reward experts by purchasing mentors the supplies they need to keep crafting and building a library of high quality content
This system deliberated creates a profit-adjacent reward system that attracts experts and hobbyists who are creating content because they love it not because they need to make money off of it
Hobbyists often cannot afford the funds to keep pursuing their hobby, but this platform offers them a chance to have their expertise and experience rewarded directly with the supplies and tools they need to keep going
Mock Ups
Presenting our MVP!
Validation
How does this serve our user archetypes?
Looking back to my user archetypes, I confirmed that the platform and features served their needs.
The Highly technical hobbyists to talk to a real expert
The internet allergic hobbyist can advance in their hobby without having to deal with the worst of online culture
The hobby expert doesn't have to compete with pseudo experts and clout chasers
The budget conscious hobbyist won't waste precious resources
Reflecting on this project, I realized that I wasn't just creating a platform for niche hobbyists but I was creating a space that directly challenged the prevailing culture dominating these spaces online.
Next Steps
What's next for Legitkraft?
My hope is that this project can provide inspiration to future companies exploring this space to provide a platform that places the needs of niche hobbyists at the center and doesn't compromise on that mission.