Whitepaper: How can Cardano support creatives in Africa? (open source)

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

By conducting a whitepaper research, the aim is to remedy the problem of creatives' underrepresentation in the Cardano ecosystem especially in the African context. Creatives participation in the blockchain ecosystem is imperative and so research is needed to understand their painpoints and barriers, their viewpoint and skills will help Cardano advance.

Using creatives built up from Dr Adaku's network, the research paper will examine the barriers that creatives face while joining Cardano from knowledge on web3 to choice of wallet to more, and provide solutions to those barriers. I organised a successful concert in Lagos, Nigeria named "VIBES WITH DR ADAKU" and will ask related creatives about their experiences and thoughts in in-depth interviews.

My approach is unique because it draws on both academic study and active participation from the artistic community. The white paper will give creatives a voice and give them agency in the solution by having them participate in the investigation.

The study output will showcase the effectiveness of our solution through a detailed whitepaper documenting the insights and experiences of the participants. This paper will be extremely helpful to the Cardano community as it will outline the best practises for attracting and integrating creatives into the network. Additionally, creatives will be rewarded for their time - this is very important.

Our solution is beneficial not only to the creatives but to the entire Cardano community. By learning more about Cardano, creatives will be better equipped to explore the financial opportunities it provides and hence supporting African creatives.

The long-term health of the Cardano ecosystem depends on the participation of the creative community. In doing so, we encourage a dynamic and diverse community that propels innovation, brings in new users, and broadens Cardano's reach and effect. Our approach is in line with Cardano's goal of encouraging transparency, cooperation, and personal agency throughout the ecosystem.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Most importantly, the creatives will benefit from this research. Each interview will be between 30mins to 1 hour and give them an opportunity to discuss barriers faced and also learn more about Project Catalyst and Cardano at large. I anticipate community reviews being a great way of African creatives to continuously learn about Cardano/PC but to also earn an income whilst doing so. The knowledge can then eventually lead them to submitting their own proposals and creating a positive cycle.

The solution I propose effectively tackles the issue of insufficient participation of creative individuals within the Cardano ecosystem especially from the African continent. Through the implementation of a comprehensive whitepaper analysis, our research endeavours to gain a deeper comprehension of the obstacles faced by individuals in the creative field, as well as the strategies employed to facilitate their integration. The ultimate objective of this study is to establish a connection between these two aspects, thereby encouraging the active engagement of creatives within the ecosystem.

This project is expected to yield substantial advantages for the Cardano ecosystem. First and foremost, the introduction of this feature will serve to attract a previously untapped demographic of users, namely individuals involved in creative pursuits. This new user segment will contribute their distinct viewpoints, skills, and innovative thinking to the existing community. The participation of individuals will enhance the ecosystem through the provision of a wide range of ideas, novel initiatives, and cooperative efforts that capitalise on the capabilities of Cardano.

Furthermore, the implementation of this project will enhance the inclusivity and diversity of the Cardano ecosystem. Through proactive involvement with individuals in the creative field and gaining a comprehensive understanding of their unique requirements and obstacles, we can develop customised approaches to onboarding that effectively tackle their concerns and promote their seamless integration into the broader ecosystem. The promotion of inclusivity within this context will facilitate the development of a feeling of belonging and serve as a catalyst for sustained engagement from members of the creative community.

The impact of the project can be assessed using multiple metrics. My primary objective is to attract a substantial cohort of creative individuals in Lagos, Nigeria to actively participate in the study and interact with the Cardano ecosystem. By quantifying the quantity of individuals engaged in creative activities and monitoring their ongoing involvement, we can provide evidence of the project's effectiveness in attracting and retaining this particular group of users.

Moreover, the production of a comprehensive whitepaper as a result of the research will offer significant insights and guidance to the Cardano community. This resource will function as a point of reference for forthcoming onboarding initiatives, facilitating the ecosystem's ability to engage effectively with individuals in the creative field and surmount the obstacles they encounter when entering the realm of blockchain technology. The extent of the whitepaper's influence and worth in the Cardano community can be gauged through metrics such as the number of downloads, citations, and references.

The primary objective of our project is to contribute substantial value to the Cardano ecosystem through the promotion and facilitation of active engagement from individuals with creative abilities. Through the process of attracting new users, enhancing diversity, and offering guidance for onboarding, we posit that this project will make a significant contribution to the growth, resilience, and enduring viability of the ecosystem.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

The success of the project will be 40 interviews conducted with creatives in Lagos, Nigeria. Each interview will be between 30mins to 1 hour. Participants will be rewarded for their time and it will be a useful conversational style process.

The success of our project will be measured through various indicators that demonstrate its benefits for the Cardano ecosystem. These indicators include:

Number of interviews: we aim to conduct 40 in-depth interviews with creatives in Lagos, Nigeria. This metric reflects the engagement and participation of the creative community in sharing their experiences and insights.
Qualitative feedback: alongside the interviews, we will collect qualitative feedback from the participants. Their opinions and perspectives will provide valuable insights into the challenges they face, their perceptions of Cardano, and the effectiveness of the proposed onboarding strategies. This qualitative feedback will help gauge the impact and relevance of the project.
Research output: The production of a comprehensive whitepaper will serve as a tangible outcome of the project. The whitepaper will capture the research findings, recommendations, and actionable insights for onboarding creatives. Its dissemination within the Cardano community will provide a measure of the project's impact and its influence on future initiatives.
Adoption and engagement: We will track the adoption and engagement of creatives in the Cardano ecosystem following the project. This can be measured by the number of new creatives joining the community, their active participation in projects, collaborations, and contributions to the ecosystem. Monitoring the growth of creative involvement will demonstrate the project's effectiveness in bridging the gap and increasing their presence in Cardano.

In the short term, the project's success will be reflected in the completion of the interviews, the positive feedback from participants, and the publication of the whitepaper. These achievements will enhance Cardano's productivity and growth by fostering a stronger connection with the creative community and expanding the ecosystem's reach.

In the long term, the project's impact will extend beyond the initial study. The insights and recommendations provided in the whitepaper will inform future onboarding strategies, ensuring continued engagement and participation of creatives in Cardano. This sustained involvement will contribute to Cardano's growth by fostering innovation, diverse projects, and collaborations that leverage the unique talents and perspectives of creatives.

Overall, the success of the project will be measured through a combination of qualitative feedback, research output, and the adoption and engagement of creatives within the Cardano ecosystem. These measures provide a comprehensive assessment of the project's impact, ensuring its relevance, effectiveness, and long-term contribution to Cardano's productivity and growth.

To maximise our project's influence and reach, I have a detailed plan to communicate its outputs and outcomes. The dissemination plan is as follows:

Whitepaper publication: The whitepaper research findings will be published publicly including recommendations, and actionable insights. The whitepaper will be written in a digestible way that informs the Cardano ecosystem but also insights useful to help onboard creatives in the ecosystem seamlessly.
Project's results will be shared on the Cardano forms, Catalyst community platforms, pertinent social media outlets, and our personal networks. Project findings, recommendations, and opportunities will be shared to project catalyst and Cardano-related groups, including town halls.
Town halls, webinars, and other community events will engage with the Cardano ecosystem. These engagements will allow the project's outputs to be presented, discussed, and evaluated for future development. Our project's results are accessible, actionable, and responsive to Cardano ecosystem requirements and objectives through integrating the community in dissemination.
The research findings will inform future research and development. The observations and recommendations will guide our future creative onboarding, user experience, and Cardano ecosystem partnership projects. The findings will help us develop better creative engagement methods for Cardano. In the roadmap, it may be useful for the next phase to be focused on their experiences of community reviewing and any potential barriers they anticipate for them submitting project catalyst proposals themselves.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

I have a strong track record and existing capabilities that demonstrate my ability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability.

As a PhD holder, singer/songwriter, and entrepreneur with a background in economics, marketing, and health economics, I bring a diverse skill set and deep knowledge in multiple domains. My experience organising events, managing projects, and conducting academic research equips me with the necessary expertise to successfully execute this project.

Involvement in the Cardano Community: I have been actively involved in the Cardano community for several years, participating in events, contributing to discussions, and collaborating with various stakeholders. This involvement has provided me with a strong understanding of the ecosystem, its goals, and the needs of its participants. I am part of the Oxford University 'CardanOx' community too, I have delivered several presentations on Cardano, Project Catalyst especially in the context of Africa:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_xtORpLfSsI have a proven track record of delivering successful projects and making valuable contributions to the Cardano ecosystem. For example, I organised a concert in Lagos in December 2022 where I taught Nigerian creators about web3 and music NFTs. I will be doing this concert again in December 2023 and the timeline works well with this proposal as I will interview the creatives involved. Link to previous concert:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5KiKyV_LRUI have also been involved with the Oxford Blockchain Society and have contributed to the DAO process. These experiences demonstrate my commitment, capability, and accountability in managing projects and initiatives.

I am committed to providing detailed reporting, fund management/accountability and documentation throughout the project. This includes regular progress updates, milestones achieved, and any challenges encountered to ensure transparency and accountability.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals for our project are as follows:

Goal 1: Understand the challenges faced by creatives in getting involved in the Cardano ecosystem.

I will conduct in-depth interviews with creatives in Lagos, Nigeria, to gather insights and understand their specific challenges and needs. The interviews will provide qualitative data that will help us assess the feasibility of our approach and validate if our goals align with the experiences and perspectives of the creatives.

Goal 2: Identify opportunities to onboard more creatives to the Cardano ecosystem.

Through the interviews and research conducted, I will analyse the findings through thematic analysis and identify key opportunities to engage and onboard creatives into the Cardano/Project Catalyst ecosystem. I will assess the feasibility of the approach by evaluating the alignment between the identified opportunities and the needs and aspirations of the creatives.

Goal 3: Develop recommendations and strategies to enhance the involvement of creatives in Cardano.

Based on the insights gathered and the opportunities identified, we will develop practical recommendations and strategies to facilitate the participation of creatives in the Cardano ecosystem. The feasibility of this goal will be validated through a thorough review and assessment of the recommendations, ensuring their relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with the overall objectives of the project.

The key numerical 'quantification' is the goal to interview 40 creatives. I will measure the success of our project by the following means:

Qualitative feedback and opinions: I will collect feedback and opinions from the interviewed creatives regarding the relevance and usefulness of the research conducted and the recommendations provided. This will help me gauge the impact and effectiveness of our project in addressing their challenges and needs.
I will track the level of adoption and engagement of creatives in the Cardano ecosystem following the implementation of the recommendations. This can be measured through the number of new creatives joining the ecosystem, their participation in Cardano-related activities, and their utilisation of Cardano-based tools and platforms, post-interview.
Feedback from the Cardano community: I will actively seek feedback from the Cardano community, including participants in townhalls, Cardano-related groups, and other relevant platforms. The insights and opinions will provide an additional perspective on the success and impact of our project.

As an experienced academic, I will personally oversee the implementation of the approach. This will involve conducting interviews, analysing data, synthesising insights, and developing recommendations. I will leverage my research expertise, academic background, and experience in the Cardano community to ensure the successful execution of the project and the achievement of our goals.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

In the summary, the milestones will be as follows: Develop research questions, identify creatives to be interviewed, I will put a call out on my social media (20K followers on Instagram, 10K followers on Twitter, 20K followers on TikTok, 9K followers on Facebook) to ask for those interested in being interviewed. Then I will interview the participants, analyse the data, then disseminate the findings in the form of recommendations.

I will take a hands-on approach to implementing the project and ensure its successful execution. The following is a detailed breakdown of the project's milestones, tasks, timeline, and success criteria:

Milestone 1: Research design and preparation

Conduct initial background research on the challenges faced by creatives in joining the blockchain ecosystem (scoping work / grey literature / data scraping if relevant)
Define research objectives and design interview protocols
Identify and recruit participants for the interviews
Timeline: 2 weeks
Success Criteria: Completion of research design, interview protocols, and participant recruitment
Projected Cost: $2,500

Milestone 2: Interviews and Data Collection

Conduct in-depth interviews with 40 creatives in Lagos, Nigeria
Record and transcribe interview data for analysis ($30 per hour transcribed, estimated 3 hours per interview - 40 x $30 = $1200). The main priority are the key themes so this is how the interviews will be transcribed.
Each interviewee will be given $65 for their time (40 x $80 = $3200)
Timeline: 4 weeks
Success Criteria: Completion of all interviews and transcription of interview data
Projected Cost: $9,400

Milestone 2.1: Data Analysis and Insights Generation

Analyse interview data using qualitative analysis techniques
Identify common themes, challenges, and opportunities using thematic analysis
Generate insights and preliminary recommendations
Timeline: 3 weeks
Success Criteria: Completion of data analysis and generation of key insights and recommendations
Projected Cost: $2,000

Milestone 2.2: Recommendations and Strategy Development

Synthesise findings into practical recommendations and strategies
Develop a comprehensive report outlining the recommendations
Review and refine recommendations based on feedback from stakeholders
Timeline: 2 weeks
Success Criteria: Completion of the recommendations report and incorporation of stakeholder feedback via online Cardano/Project Catalyst groups
Projected Cost: $2,500

Milestone 3: Dissemination and Engagement

Share the recommendations and findings with the Cardano community
Engage with Project Catalyst and Cardano-related groups to present the research output
Facilitate discussions and gather feedback on the recommendations
Timeline: 2 weeks
Success Criteria: Successful dissemination of research output and active engagement with the Cardano community
Projected Cost: $2,000

Overall project timeline: 13 weeks (3 months with a week contingency)

Project management approach:

I will take a proactive approach to project management, ensuring clear communication, coordination, and timely execution of tasks.
Regular meetings will be held to review progress, address any challenges, and make necessary adjustments to the project plan.
Stakeholder engagement and feedback will be actively sought throughout the project to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the recommendations.

Total: $18400 (75000 ADA at 0.25 rate)

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Research design and preparation

Deliverables:

Research plan outlining the methodology, research questions, and data collection approach
Interview guide for conducting interviews with creatives in Lagos, Nigeria
Ethical clearance and consent forms for research participants

Outputs:

Well-defined research design that ensures comprehensive data collection and analysis
Research materials and tools ready for implementation

Intended outcomes:

Establish a solid foundation for conducting the research study
Ensure the research process adheres to ethical guidelines
Lay the groundwork for collecting valuable insights from creatives in Lagos

Measurement of progress:

Completion of the research plan and interview guide

Milestone 2: Data collection and analysis

Deliverables:

Recorded interview sessions with creatives in Lagos
Transcriptions of interview recordings
Data analysis report presenting key findings and themes

Outputs:

Rich qualitative data gathered through interviews with creatives
Transcriptions of interviews for detailed analysis
Comprehensive report highlighting key insights and themes emerging from the data

Intended outcomes:

Gain in-depth understanding of the challenges and perspectives of creatives in relation to Cardano and blockchain technology
Identify common themes and patterns across interviews
Generate actionable recommendations based on the data analysis

Measurement of progress:

Completion of interview sessions and recording
Transcription of interview recordings
Data analysis report showcasing key findings and insights

Milestone 3: Findings presentation and recommendations

Deliverables:

Presentation materials summarising the research findings and recommendations
Written report detailing the research outcomes and proposed actions
Dissemination of research findings through relevant platforms, such as Project Catalyst town halls and Cardano community groups

Outputs:

Engaging presentation highlighting the key findings and recommendations from the research
Comprehensive written report documenting the research outcomes and proposed actions
Wide dissemination of research findings to the Cardano community and relevant stakeholders

Intended outcomes:

Share the research findings with the Cardano community, raising awareness about the challenges faced by creatives in the ecosystem
Provide actionable recommendations to improve the onboarding and engagement of creatives in Cardano
Foster dialogue and collaboration within the Cardano community to address the identified challenges

Measurement of progress:

Completion of the presentation materials and written report
Successful dissemination of research findings through various channels and platforms

To track the progress of the project, the following measures will be used:

Completion of deliverables within the designated timelines
Quality and depth of insights gathered from the interviews
Clarity and effectiveness of the research findings and recommendations presented
Feedback and engagement from the Cardano community and stakeholders regarding the research outcomes

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Milestone 1: Research design and preparation

Conduct initial background research on the challenges faced by creatives in joining the blockchain ecosystem (scoping work / grey literature / data scraping if relevant)
Define research objectives and design interview protocols
Identify and recruit participants for the interviews
Timeline: 2 weeks
Success Criteria: Completion of research design, interview protocols, and participant recruitment
Projected Cost: $2,500

Milestone 2: Interviews and Data Collection

Conduct in-depth interviews with 40 creatives in Lagos, Nigeria
Record and transcribe interview data for analysis ($30 per hour transcribed, estimated 3 hours per interview - 40 x $30 = $1200). The main priority are the key themes so this is how the interviews will be transcribed.
Each interviewee will be given $65 for their time (40 x $80 = $3200)
Timeline: 4 weeks
Success Criteria: Completion of all interviews and transcription of interview data
Projected Cost: $9,400

Milestone 2.1: Data Analysis and Insights Generation

Analyse interview data using qualitative analysis techniques
Identify common themes, challenges, and opportunities using thematic analysis
Generate insights and preliminary recommendations
Timeline: 3 weeks
Success Criteria: Completion of data analysis and generation of key insights and recommendations
Projected Cost: $2,000

Milestone 2.2: Recommendations and Strategy Development

Synthesise findings into practical recommendations and strategies
Develop a comprehensive report outlining the recommendations
Review and refine recommendations based on feedback from stakeholders
Timeline: 2 weeks
Success Criteria: Completion of the recommendations report and incorporation of stakeholder feedback via online Cardano/Project Catalyst groups
Projected Cost: $2,500

Milestone 3: Dissemination and Engagement

Share the recommendations and findings with the Cardano community
Engage with Project Catalyst and Cardano-related groups to present the research output
Facilitate discussions and gather feedback on the recommendations
Timeline: 2 weeks
Success Criteria: Successful dissemination of research output and active engagement with the Cardano community
Projected Cost: $2,000

Overall project timeline: 13 weeks (3 months with a week contingency)

Project management approach:

I will take a proactive approach to project management, ensuring clear communication, coordination, and timely execution of tasks.
Regular meetings will be held to review progress, address any challenges, and make necessary adjustments to the project plan.
Stakeholder engagement and feedback will be actively sought throughout the project to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the recommendations.

Total: $18400 (75000 ADA at 0.25 rate)

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Dr Adaku Agwunobi social media links:

Instagram @DrAdaku
TikTok @DrAdaku
Twitter @DrAdaku
YouTube /DrAdaku
LinkedIn: Adaku Jennifer Agwunobi, PhD

I am a singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, and academic based in London and Oxford. With a PhD. in entrepreneurial health and well-being in the digital economy, I am an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and is dedicated to creating positive change and giving opportunities to people. As a Postdoctoral researcher at Oxford University and a Research Associate at Wadham College, I am always involved in important initiatives and collaborations with executive leadership teams to foster inclusive and equitable cultures. I have a strong academic background, holding four degrees, including a PhD. and two master's degrees in Marketing and Health Economics. My expertise extends beyond academia as I actively contribute to the web3 space, exploring the transformative potential of blockchain technology. I has been involved in the Oxford Blockchain Society and has participated in and organised events and hackathons, gaining valuable insights and connections within the blockchain community including the 'CardanOx' student hub at Oxford. As a singer/songwriter, I released my debut album "the vibes are known" in November 2021 and continue to create music that resonates with my audience globally, especially Nigeria. I am also a co-owner of @BlackAndPhD, a global network for Black PhD students and holders, providing support, advice, and mentorship. My diverse experiences, research background, and commitment to EDI makes me a valuable asset in driving positive change within the Cardano ecosystem. With my passion for blockchain technology, entrepreneurship, and well-being, I am poised to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth and inclusivity in the ecosystem. I also organised a concert in Lagos (December 2022), where I taught Nigerian creators about web3, particularly music NFT’s.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

I am very excited to offer incentives offered to the creatives for 30mins-1 hour of their time. I will primarily be interviewing new/up-and-coming creatives so the incentives offered will be very substantial and something they can invest back into their creative careers if they wish. The amount offered is beyond the relative average wage in the country by far. Hence, this project really supports the creative ecosystem in Nigeria whilst curating invaluable insights on the creative economy and how involved in Project Catalyst / the Cardano ecosystem can be beneficial across the board.

bookmarked!