UNA

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Design Research Project 3
Project squad: Transformative & Inclusive Practices
February 2020 – June 2020

In the Netherlands, approximately 277.000 people are unemployed. Fortunately, unemployed people are able to receive a payment from the government. In order to do so however, they are required to perform job applications, which now must take place online due to COVID-19. In our research we looked at how these job interviews could be improved by using the research tool: The Beverage UNA, which allows the applicant and recruiter to extend their physical beverage to the virtual world by personalizing it. 
This study researched what the influence is of a design extending a physical artefact on the feeling of connectivity between an applicant and a recruiter during a virtual job interview. By integrating a mixed method approach, data collected from surveys and in-depth interviews suggest that the tool used in this research creates a greater feeling of connectivity between an applicant and a recruiter during a virtual job interview by creating more behavioural engagement. This is a result of the creation of an open atmosphere at the beginning of the interview and the break the tool provides during the interview itself. Furthermore, it allows the user to prepare oneself by personalizing an object which will function as a conversation starter later. Designs extending a physical artefact used by an applicant and a recruiter during a virtual job interview create a shared experience and function as an ice breaker and hereby are able to put someone at ease. The aspect of personalization gives the possibility for preparation before the interview. They recreate the normal interview setting and hereby enlarge the feeling of connectivity by establishing behavioural engagement between them.
This first big design research project showed me the advantages of adapting when changes occur, for example due to COVID-19. The not ideal situation worked as a magnifying glass and showed me not only which of my skills are lacking, but also what my talents are and how I can make optimal use of them. I also discovered that as a female and queer climate activist I keep coming back to subjects which are close to me and I admire those who use their voice to make a difference. The empowerment of the individual is something that moves me and I have come to the conclusion that I want educate, raise awareness and empower with my stories and things that concern me as well. Lastly, I realized sharing my insecurities about the project in my team did not only help me to move forward in the project with a more positive and lighter attitude, but also made others emotionally feel safe. This was an important reflection moment for me, because it made me understand my role in groups better.
If you would like to know more about our research, please have a look at our Instagram page or design research paper.