Facilitating broad cross-sector collaboration is a theme that permeates our core programs at Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI). This is because we know, from our experiences as facilitator and beneficiary, that broad cross-sector collaboration is key to driving systems change. Indeed, collaborating with subject matter experts from various sectors and backgrounds is one reason why we, as a small tax-exempt charity, can achieve so much impact.
We recently caught up with Marcus Kung, a digital product (UI/UX) designer and founder of uxmargin, to learn more about why he volunteered to help FSI’s Project GuideFong to revamp its online directory of ethnically diverse businesses and refresh its brand identity. Our heartfelt gratitude to Marcus for enabling our Project GuideFong to better support our community of under-resourced ethnically diverse entrepreneurs!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, Marcus?
I’m a digital product (UI/UX) designer from Hong Kong, now based in Bangkok, Thailand. My expertise lies in designing websites, mobile applications, and design systems. I specialize in providing user-centric solutions that address both business objectives and user needs. With a passion for creating intuitive digital experiences, I strive to bridge the gap between functionality and aesthetics in every project I undertake.
How and why did you become a volunteer for FSI’s Community Business Support (CBS) team? Why was this project of interest to you?
My journey with FSI began when I was inspired by my designer friend. He encouraged me to contribute my skills and knowledge to NGOs using the Time Auction platform. This motivation led me to explore volunteering opportunities online, which is how I discovered the Time Auction platform. FSI’s GuideFong website revamp project caught my attention because of its mission to support Hong Kong’s grassroots businesses.
The project resonated with me on multiple levels. Firstly, it aligned perfectly with my professional skills, allowing me to contribute meaningfully. Secondly, the opportunity to support local businesses in my home city of Hong Kong was particularly appealing. I appreciate FSI’s commitment to empowering small-scale entrepreneurs, and I believe my expertise could play a crucial role in enhancing their digital presence and, consequently, their impact.
Tell us about the volunteer work you did for CBS – what is the project brief, scope, and period?
The GuideFong project was a comprehensive website revamp that spanned approximately three months, from late April to late July 2024. The scope of the project was extensive, encompassing several key areas:
- Logo Redesign The existing logo had low legibility and wasn’t suitable for digital display or printing. I redesigned the logo to address these issues, ensuring better visibility and versatility across various media.
- Brand Identity Refresh I redesigned GuideFong’s logo, using the blue, white, and red colors, which are the colors of the durable, waterproof, and quintessentially Hong Kong nylon carriage bag (紅白藍尼龍袋). They represent the grassroots spirit of the local community of Hong Kong, aligning with GuideFong’s mission and values.
- Website Redesign and Development Working closely with the FSI team, we determined the essential content and features for the new website. Our primary goal was to create an intuitive navigation system and a clean layout that reflects the refreshed branding. I then redesigned and developed the website from the ground up, focusing on user experience and accessibility. I removed unnecessary pages and features to keep the website hierarchy simple. I also changed the use of colors, fonts, and layout to adapt to the new branding.
- Quality Assurance I participated in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) sessions, fixing bugs that were reported by the team to ensure a smooth user experience.
- Documentation and Training To ensure the sustainability of the project, I prepared comprehensive documentation on how to update and maintain the website.
- Launch Support Finally, I assisted the team in launching the website, ensuring a seamless transition from the old site to the new one.
Throughout the project, I maintained open communication with the FSI team, incorporating their feedback and addressing their concerns.
How did you find the experience – did you get to hone your skills, learn new skills and perspectives etc.?
The experience was both challenging and immensely rewarding. It provided me with a valuable opportunity to refine my existing skills. Perhaps most importantly, it helped me develop a deeper understanding of client perspectives in the non-profit sector, such as their concerns while developing a website. Also, I improved my communication and active listening skills by learning to articulate design decisions clearly and listening to client needs.
Working with a non-profit organization gave me fresh insights into the unique challenges they face. I learned to adapt my design approach to meet their specific needs, such as creating user-friendly interfaces for a diverse audience and optimizing for limited resources.
Seeing the website launch successfully was satisfying. It was gratifying to know that my work would contribute to supporting Hong Kong’s grassroots businesses, making a impact on the community.
Would you recommend people to volunteer for FSI? Why or why not?
I would definitely recommend volunteering for FSI. My experience with the organization was positive, and I believe others would find it equally rewarding.
The team at FSI is passionate and responsive. They provided constructive feedback throughout the design process, demonstrating a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Their openness to new ideas and opinions created an environment that fostered creativity.
Volunteering with FSI also offers a unique opportunity to apply professional skills in a meaningful context. It allows individuals to contribute to impactful projects that make a real difference in the community.
In conclusion, volunteering for FSI is an excellent way to give back to the community while gaining valuable experience and expanding one’s professional network. It’s an opportunity I’m grateful to have had and one that I believe would be beneficial for many others.
Get Involved
Here’s how you can help FSI support more grassroots businesses in mutually beneficial ways:
- Join our Community Business Support Internship to equip yourself or your students with business consultation skills and help under-resourced entrepreneurs;
- Sponsor and/or volunteer for our Community Business Support Internship, Impact Jams, Mentorship Program for Ethnically Diverse Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneur’s Toolkit etc. to channel private-sector resources towards positive social impact;
- Check out GuideFong to find more grassroots businesses, try them out, leave reviews, and tell others about Hong Kong’s first online directory for ethnically diverse businesses!
