Tailor conceptually addresses the needs of Turkey's small textile producers by proposing a digital platform that facilitates streamlined communication and order management, reducing reliance on traditional, costly methods like phone calls. The platform's design integrates user insights, featuring real-time messaging, order tracking, and demand aggregation to assist producers in meeting minimum quantity requirements. Through potential features like WhatsApp integration and an intuitive interface, Tailor aims to enhance connectivity and efficiency in a predominantly relationship-driven industry.
In the exploration of Tailor's potential, I delved into the core challenges facing small Turkish textile producers. By conducting need-finding interviews with industry stakeholders, including small fashion brands, suppliers, and a textile export VP, I gathered crucial user insights into the operational inefficiencies and communication barriers prevalent in the sector. My role also included analyzing the competitive landscape, assessing the integration challenges with legacy tech systems, and exploring cybersecurity concerns. The gathered data was synthesized to shape the conceptual features of Tailor, ensuring the proposed solution aligned with the unique needs and workflows of the industry's SMEs.
Once I knew what features I wanted to integrate, I designed a mockup of what it could look like (in English for presentation).
Navigating Cultural Nuances
Leveraged my personal connection to Turkey to navigate a completely new industry, effectively bridging an 11-hour time difference and academic commitments to engage with local professionals and gain insights into traditional practices.
Building New Relationships
Cultivated a network from the ground up, initiating conversations with industry insiders and leveraging introductory meetings to expand my understanding of the textile market’s dynamics and challenges.
Synthesizing Local Knowledge
Developed a keen sense for blending familiar cultural knowledge with newly acquired industry-specific insights, which was crucial for conducting meaningful interviews and fostering trust with Turkish textile professionals.
