Freelancers Union is a not-for-profit organization based out of New York City that is membership based. Membership is free to members and benefits include community events, resources, and discounts on insurance. Freelancers Union advocates on behalf of 57 million independent workers and in 2016 lead a campaign to give protect freelancers in New York City from nonpayment. Freelancers Union is funded by grants and sponsorship.
The ask is "How can we make Freelancers Union a more valuable resource?"
Started: March 2016
Final Deliverable: Oct 2016
My Roles: Research, Insights, Strategy, Prototyping
Other participant roles:
Consultant: Rich Ekelman
Researcher: Rob Grossman
Client: Sharon Bruce of Freelancers Union
numerous prototype testers
Design a system that would ease contract negotiations and ensure freelancers are paid.
Through research with various Freelancer Union members we discovered two big issues:
- Finding work
- Getting paid
The Freelancers Union could be a great resource if it could help freelancers find work and deter non-payment. Also through our research, not all freelancers use formal contracts which tends to lead to non-payments.
Currently there is not fee to join the Freelancers Union. Recommendation is that Freelancers Union offers a paid membership option which would include use of a payment platform. The payment platform would also entail a process to build an industry specific contract as well as an escrow service to hold client payments until freelance work has been completed.
Revenue would be generated from the membership dues and a percentage of funds paid into an escrow account. Freelancer will not begin project work until escrow account is funded and client will release funds only after work has been completed. This will ensure that both freelancer and client remain accountable.
Outcome:
After idea was presented to client, they did implement a build-a-contact application for their members but didn't have the infastructure or budget to pursue setting up an escrow service and didn't feel a paid membership option aligned with their branding.
Insights based on research of current members and other independent workers
Revised home page of the Freelancers Union home page
New core services indicated in blue
Business Model Canvas