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Chimera Co-op




YEAR

2023


DURATION

3 months

TOOLS

Adobe Xd, Premiere
Procreate
Canva
Miro






The Challenge


Create a student-run store to showcase and sell CCA's diverse, high-quality art, empowering students with real-world entrepreneurial experience.

My Role(s)


Business Designer


Through audience research, collaboration, and user testing, we developed the co-op business model and strategy for a CCA student store concept. 

Producer


We collected student experiences to bring student stories to life.



Executive Summary


Goal


Create a student-run store to showcase and sell CCA's diverse, high-quality art, empowering students with real-world entrepreneurial experience.

Solution and Outcome


Designed and launched a student-operated pop-up store featuring custom CCA merchandise and student-made goods.

The pop-up generated $510 in sales over two weeks, resulting in $310 net profit after expenses. With projected annual net sales exceeding $10,000, the initiative demonstrated the viability of a student-led co-op model while fostering entrepreneurship and community engagement.



Target Users


CCA students, faculty, alumni, and visitors seeking unique, student-made goods and creative merchandise.



Key Learnings


  • Developed an innovative value proposition using the Business Model Canvas. 
  • While the solution effectively addressed user needs, the business model had limited potential for profit and scalability. 
  • Successful business design requires aligning user insights with feasibility and viability to ensure long-term growth.Using the business model canvas to develop an innovative value

    proposition.






Research and

Insights


  1. Students prefer a community-based, student-led organization
  2. Students prefer co-op employment to be independent of CCA
  3. Key partner should be Arch Art and Supply 
  4. CCA Marketing and Communications Department granted permission for students to use the name “California College of the Arts” void of official CCA branding





Busines model ideation 



User Testing


We recruited several student-artists and facilitated a focus group using storyboards to guide participants through the membership journey and cost structure.




Concept




Entice
Participants notice signage for Chimera Co-op.

Enter
Participants browse around and admire beautifully crafted and designed student work.

Engage
Participant picks up a ceramic mug created by a CCA student.


Exit
Participant  signs up for a membership and makes their first purchase at Chimera Co-op.

Extend
Participant follows the CCA student artist so they can continue supporting their community.