SkillBound: Big Picture 12/16/24

Summary

This video provides an in-depth update on the development of a new skill-building product, focusing on progress and upcoming tasks for the team. Key areas include finalizing the learning path SDKs, progressing with the first two life skills courses, and incorporating user feedback into product design. Insights from user interviews highlight the need for clear, step-by-step learning, mental health content, and real-world scenarios. Additionally, the video discusses fundraising strategies, including federal grants and equity crowdfunding. The team is aligned on priorities and moving forward with an actionable plan for the next month.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Timeline Overview**: In November, focus was on infrastructure, landing page, user interviews, and email subscriber growth. December shifts to developing core skill map features and onboarding assessment.
• 😀 **Learning Path SDKs**: This month, energy will be directed toward building and refining learning path SDKs, wireframes, and product planning for quizzes and modules.
• 😀 **Life Skills Courses**: The scripts for the first two life skills courses are complete, with filming planned for this month to meet the goal of finishing by month-end.
• 😀 **100 Email Subscribers Goal**: The plan is to engage social media for pre-launch testing and grow the email subscriber base to 100 by the end of the month.
• 😀 **React Flow vs. Rlow**: React Flow pricing is too expensive ($139–$269/month), so the team is considering the free Rlow library, which integrates well with React Flow and the skill map project.
• 😀 **User Insights**: Interviews show users struggle with sensory processing, mental health issues, time management, social interactions, and executive function. The product needs to address these pain points.
• 😀 **Mental Health Focus**: Mental health support, especially for anxiety, is a high priority for users. There's a strong case to accelerate the development of relevant content and features.
• 😀 **User Preferences**: Users prefer clear, step-by-step guidance, low-pressure practice, and supportive feedback in a calm and structured environment.
• 😀 **Scenario-Based Learning**: Users expressed a need for scenario-based content, such as role-play situations with visual pop-ups, to demonstrate unhealthy communication patterns or conflict resolution.
• 😀 **Fundraising Update**: A federal grant has been submitted, and further applications will follow. The team is also exploring equity crowdfunding, with a strategic plan to raise funds post-MVP.
• 😀 **User Connection**: Users emphasized the importance of connecting with real people who understand their experiences rather than relying on AI-driven support.

Q & A

What was the focus of the team's efforts in November?

In November, the team's efforts were focused on building infrastructure, setting up the onboarding system, launching the landing page, conducting user interviews, and gathering email subscribers.

What is the main focus for the month of December?

In December, the primary focus is on developing the core features of the Skill Map, specifically the learning paths, content delivery system, and SDKs for the learning path modules.

What are the core skills the team is planning to develop by the end of the month?

The team is aiming to finalize the learning paths and the SDKs needed to support them, as well as complete the first two Life Skills courses, including filming them.

What library was considered for the learning path, and what was the main concern about it?

React Flow was considered the best option for the learning path library, but the main concern was the high pricing for the features needed, ranging from $139 to $269 per month.

What alternative to React Flow is being considered, and why?

The team is considering RFlow as an alternative to React Flow because it is free and compatible with the existing libraries, which could be a more cost-effective solution while still providing the necessary features.

What were the key takeaways from the user interview report?

The user interviews highlighted challenges related to sensory processing issues, anxiety, and difficulties with time management and organization. Users also expressed a desire for step-by-step guidance, clear instructions, and gentle feedback.

How do users prefer learning content to be structured?

Users prefer learning content that is structured with clear, step-by-step instructions, progressive skill building, low-pressure practice opportunities, and supportive feedback that is corrective yet gentle.

What was the user feedback on social interaction and communication?

Users mentioned having difficulties with social interaction, such as making friends and joining conversations. They expressed a desire for guidance in these areas, with real-world scenarios being particularly helpful.

What did users think about the idea of having real-world scenarios in the learning process?

Users strongly supported the idea of learning through real-world scenarios, such as role-playing conflict resolution and unhealthy communication examples. They appreciated the ability to see practical applications and get corrective feedback.

What progress tracking features are users interested in?

Users expressed a strong interest in progress tracking features, such as reminders for daily tasks and tracking completed activities. They want to be reminded about tasks they've completed or need to complete, which could help with motivation and consistency.

What fundraising strategies is the team exploring?

The team is exploring multiple fundraising strategies, including applying for federal grants, which they have already done, and considering equity crowdfunding as a way to raise capital without giving up control of the company. They are also open to discussions with investors and will continue to explore all options.

What is the team's plan for fundraising in the short term?

The team plans to focus on applying for additional federal grants, as well as researching and preparing for equity crowdfunding after developing a solid MVP (Minimum Viable Product). They are also planning to begin networking and building visibility through social media.