Donation Transparency

Company— Eco Equitable
Role— Lead Designer

Overview

EcoEquitable, an Ottawa-based non-profit, empowers immigrant, refugee, and marginalized women through skills training in sewing and textile arts. By building confidence and providing employment opportunities, the organization helps these women find jobs or start businesses. EcoEquitable also promotes sustainability by selling products made from recycled textiles in its retail shop.

The organization depends partially on donations to keep its programs running. While there is huge support for the organization, contributors expressed uncertainty about how their donations were being utilized, leading to a decline in recurring support.

How might we increase transparency of donations in order to make users feel more confident when donating to Eco Equitable?

Process

We began by addressing the user's frustration with the tedious donation process and lack of clarity about where contributions go. Mid-fidelity prototypes were tested to refine the logic and flow of the design before finalizing the high-fidelity version.

Key insights

Industry

500 Million kg discarded by Canadians that could be reused and recycled

300 lbs of fabric achieved a social return on investment of $5.12 for every $1 it took in

10.5 Million tonnes of clothes and textiles in North America are lost to disposal every year

It can take immigrant women between 6 months to 2 years to find employment, depending on their qualifications and support networks

User

Donors would prefer more clarity on the items they can and cannot donate, as well as alternatives to donating goods

Donors want to see the tangible impact that their donations result in. It makes them feel assured and motivates them to continue their support

Donors want to ensure their political, moral, and ethical values align with organizations they decide to support before going through with donating time or money