UNS — The Student Creativity Program Team in Applied Science and Technology (PKM-PI) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, led by Dinda Karina Yohanny, and Dany Taufiq, Andhita Adiba, Annisa Yasmin, and Intan Ayu, as members proposed an idea based on Rumah Coklat Bodag’s business issues. Starting from their partner’s issues such as limited human resources, lack knowledge in marketing strategy and branding, low local awareness on cacao potential, and lack of innovation and product differentiation at the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). PKM-PI Team UNS tried to provide a solution through the implementation of design thinking theory.
Design thinking is a method used to solve an issue efficiently and creatively through five stages emphasize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. One of the design thinking program implementations promoted by the team is the Virtual Edu Trip that invites viewers to virtually visit Rumah Coklat Bodag, a café, and chocolate production house. Viewers could observe the chocolate production process that started from cacao beans until processed into chocolate products that educate people about the science behind chocolate production. The program also includes interesting merchandizes from Rumah Coklat Bodag for viewers with the highest scores.
The program that was implemented through the Zoom Meeting with 69 participants from elementary school to university students received positive feedbacks from viewers.
“Entertainment during the pandemic, sis!” Ardelia, a viewer, said.
Through design thinking, PKM-PI Team UNS also conducted internal education for the partner to update the FCTZ500 technology, preparing a selfie site, and conducting marketing and branding efforts. The internal education was conducted to ensure that Rumah Coklat Bodag employees understand the importance of design thinking concept implementation in creating attraction towards the café and cacao processed products.
The FCTZ500 machine is pulverizing machine that could help partners in their jobs and increase production outputs. The selfie site also has educational material on chocolate and cacao general information. The marketing and branding efforts were implemented through the activation of various social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and the company website. The team also develop a partnership with Shopee online marketplace and Swalayan Kaifada to promote Rumah Coklat Bodag products. The implementation of the design thinking concept is expected to benefits Rumah Coklat Bodag and its consumers. Humas UNS
Reporter: Zalfaa Azalia Pursita
Editor: Dwi Hastuti