Overview
Checker is an AI-powered tool designed to transform the grant application review process within Gitcoin’s ecosystem. Built to alleviate the inefficiencies and frustrations faced by round operators, Checker streamlines reviews, enables collaboration, and fosters transparency with applicants. By integrating advanced AI capabilities, the platform saves time, reduces errors, and builds trust, aligning seamlessly with Gitcoin’s decentralized vision.
Problem
Round operators manage an overwhelming workload during grant cycles, often reviewing hundreds of applications daily. This process was hindered by a lack of collaboration tools, as the existing system supported single-user reviews only. Teams resorted to manually exporting data to spreadsheets, further complicating workflows. Additionally, operators lacked time and resources to provide applicants with constructive feedback, leaving many without insights to improve their submissions. This inefficiency not only frustrated operators but also eroded trust with applicants, ultimately affecting participation in future funding rounds.
Solution
Checker was conceived as a standalone application to tackle these challenges head-on. At its core, it features AI-powered reviews via ChatGPT, offering automated evaluations and tailored scores based on each round’s unique criteria. This ensured consistent, high-quality assessments while dramatically reducing the time operators spent on each application. Recognizing the importance of teamwork, Checker introduced a collaborative dashboard where multiple reviewers could manage and discuss applications transparently. Furthermore, a structured feedback mechanism was implemented, allowing operators to provide applicants with actionable insights on their submissions. This not only enhanced the applicant experience but also encouraged future engagement by fostering a sense of trust and transparency.
Design process
The design process for Checker was grounded in user-centric methodologies to address the unique challenges faced by round operators. By combining in-depth research, iterative prototyping, and consistent user feedback, we created a tool that streamlined workflows while aligning with Gitcoin's decentralized principles.
Research and Discovery
To fully understand the problem space, we:
Conducted interviews with round operators to identify pain points in their workflows and challenges with the existing platform.
Analyzed competitor tools and industry best practices for grant reviews to uncover opportunities for differentiation and improvement.
These insights provided a strong foundation for prioritizing key features such as collaboration tools and AI-driven assistance.
Ideation and Prototyping
With a clear understanding of user needs, we:
Designed an intuitive interface emphasizing clear navigation and seamless user flows.
Developed wireframes that prioritized collaborative review workflows and the integration of AI-powered insights.
The prototypes aimed to simplify complex tasks while maintaining accessibility for both experienced and new users.
Impact
The first iteration of Checker demonstrated significant improvements during its use in the GG22 funding round. Operators reported a 50% reduction in review times, thanks to the collaborative features and direct on-chain submission process. By eliminating the need for spreadsheets, the platform saved operators days of work. Feedback from users highlighted how the new workflows increased transparency, reduced errors, and made providing feedback to applicants far easier. These changes not only enhanced the operator experience but also built trust among applicants, setting the stage for greater engagement in future rounds.
Next steps
The journey doesn’t end here. Checker is poised for deeper integration into Gitcoin’s core Manager application, ensuring a unified user experience across all tools. Plans are underway to expand AI functionality, introducing ChatGPT during the round setup phase to assist operators in attracting top-tier builders. As more data is collected, insights from user behavior will inform future updates, refining Checker to better serve both operators and applicants.
© 2024 melissa neira