1. Value Proposition

For Youth: „Express Freely. Feel Seen. Grow Together.“

Emotional safety reduces fear. No judgment. No perfection required. Imperfect examples visible from day one. We use prompts like „Share something small from today“ and display intentionally imperfect example posts (user-generated, not polished) to show that your messy work is exactly what belongs here.

Playful co-creation builds confidence

„Create with me“ replaces „look at me.“ Peer responses validate expression without judgment. The response layer is visual—drawings, reactions, layered additions—not text comments that breed comparison. Responses are lightweight and collaborative.

Global connection breaks isolation

Connect with creators worldwide. See your moment grow through responses. We don't use algorithms to sort content—all posts are treated equally. Geographic matching is based on interests, not virality.

Flexibility without daily pressure

Show up when you can. No streaks, no performance metrics. No engagement metrics visible. No follower counts. No „daily challenge“ pushing participation as obligation. Instead, participation becomes ritual—something you return to because it matters, not because you're being measured.

Recognition through resonance. 

See your moments grow through collective responses, not followers. Our „Resonance Score“ shows depth of engagement (how many people responded and the complexity of their responses), not popularity.

2. User Archetype & Journey

Persona 1: The Low-Effort Creator (Ages 16-22)

Profile: Quick action, instant feedback seeker. Energetic, idea-driven, wants to jump into action without friction.

Barriers: Gets irritated by extra screens, permissions, unclear feedback. Loses interest if unsure action was saved.

Journey: Sees symbol on social media or poster (light curiosity) → scans QR code or clicks link → lands on simple canvas → prompt appears: „Share something small from today“ (relief—low barrier) → uploads one photo in under 60 seconds → instant visual feedback (post appears immediately) → sees peer responses appear → feels „This felt safe to try“ → returns next day → ritual begins.

Persona 2: The Gentle Observer (Ages 17-25)

Profile: Watches before joining. Waits for social proof. Fears judgment.

Barriers: Does not want to be first person. Avoids public participation without proof that it's safe.

Journey: Sees posts from others on platform (interest but hesitation) → notices posts are intentionally imperfect („people are doing messy work here?“) → sees peer responses that are encouraging, not critical → receives soft invitation: „What creative mood are you in?“ (low pressure) → joins as responder first (adds drawing to someone else's post) → gets positive feedback („I can do this too“) → shares own moment → now a contributor.

Persona 3: The Emotionally Engaged Drifter (Ages 18-28)

Profile: Feels deeply connected but needs clear direction. Forwards links, views stories, rarely completes heavier asks.

Barriers: Big asks feel overwhelming. Unclear next steps stop them.

Journey: Friend shares Traces link: „You'd love this, it's about creativity“ → explores platform passively (drawn to emotional content) → prompt resonates: „What are you feeling today?“ (wants to respond) → guidance provided: „Express it however feels right“ (permission given) → shares small moment → emotional release plus community response → sees clear next steps: „Join the Creative Circle“ (direction provided) → becomes contributor with a community (purpose clarified).

Persona 4: The Trust-Based Sharer (Ages 19-30)

Profile: Shares personal moments after trust is built. More active in small, private groups. Needs reassurance through interaction.

Barriers: Does not engage in large anonymous spaces. Loses motivation when progress feels invisible.

Journey: Friend personally invites or explains concept (trust established) → sees safe space with visible moderation → prompt invites vulnerability: „Share something you usually hide“ (permission for depth) → shares personal moment privately first (friend-only visibility) → friend responds meaningfully (feels seen) → gradually opens visibility (confidence builds with each positive response) → becomes mentor to others (gives back, builds community).

The 9-Stage Emotional Journey

Stage 01: Passive Ambient Awareness

Youth sees symbol on social media or poster, searches for it, visits landing page. Emotional state: Curiosity.

Stage 02: Curiosity → Checking It Out

Visits landing page, understands the concept. Emotional state: Intrigued.

Stage 03: First Micro Participation

Scans QR code or clicks invitation. Emotional state: Light curiosity.

Stage 04: First Time Inside

Lands on simple canvas with clear prompt. Emotional state: Relief („I understand what to do“).

Stage 05: First Guided Action

„Share something small“ → Upload photo → Instant feedback. Emotional state: „This feels safe to try.“ CRITICAL MOMENT: Youth sees their post appears immediately.

Stage 06: Casual Return → Exploration

Returns, sees others' responses, explores their work. Emotional state: „This did not stop with me.“ CRITICAL MOMENT: Youth sees peer responses to their creation.

Stage 07: Emerging Creative Ritual

Regularly contributes, finds personal rhythm (daily/weekly). Emotional state: „This is part of how I process.“ CRITICAL MOMENT: Participation becomes habit, not event.

Stage 08: Everyday Spillover

Applies creativity to other aspects of life. Emotional state: Empowerment.

Stage 09: Reflection & Re-Storying

Looks back at trail, sees patterns, recognizes growth. Emotional state: „I've changed. I'm more confident.“

3. How Design Supports the Concept

Moment 1: The Invitation

Emotional State: „I am allowed to keep this simple.“

Design Support: Simple, warm prompt („Share something small from today“). Intentionally imperfect examples visible (no polished work). Short copy (not wordy). Tone: „We get it. You're busy. This can be 60 seconds.“

Moment 2: The First Mark

Emotional State: „This feels safe to try.“

Design Support: Upload photo or text in single action. Choose visibility immediately (private/friends/public). Instant feedback: Post appears on canvas instantly. Visual confirmation: „Your mark is here.“ No „pending,“ no delays, no confusion.

Moment 3: The Response Layer

Emotional State: „This did not stop with me.“

Design Support: Lightweight response tools appear below original post. Multiple ways to respond: draw, add text, add emoji, layer image. Responses are visible directly on post (not hidden in comment section). Each response is valued equally (no „likes“). Creator sees notifications: „[Friend] drew on your post.“

A walktrough of Traces