# Golden Ticket Competition: how a startup received investment

URL: https://rondesignlab.com/blog/videos/golden-ticket

> See how we defined product value for othr.io with a transparent design process. This case study details our use of a BMS, UX research.

## Golden Ticket Competition: how a startup received investment

Here we share insights on the design process for the Golden Ticket Competition winner’s project.

Problem

## We found issues and fixed them

We received **various applications with diverse projects**, but for us, one company stood out the most. The othr.io team had a working product but **lacked clear value clarification** in product-market fit.  
  
After the client pitch, we couldn't grasp what was **the value the product brought** to the market. Internal confusion forced us to hold multiple meetings without any direction.

![Golden Ticket Competition | Rondesignlab](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1757502987/01_4afa1d6f92.webp)
*Golden Ticket Competition | Rondesignlab*

> After the client brief, we didn’t understand the value the product provides.

Solution

## Intuitive solutions for challenges

We **simplified our design process** for the contest: pre-brief, research and business model canvas (BMS). An extra client meeting allowed us to build a clear BMS, **revealing the product’s value**. We linked creative ideas to real user personas, from teen investors to professionals.  
  
The UX phase defined **the structure and user flows** of the project. And the UI phase developed **multiple visual concepts**, each aligned with client preferences and **moodboard**.

![Golden Ticket Competition | Rondesignlab](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1757502987/02_99c337ae4a.webp)
*Golden Ticket Competition | Rondesignlab*

> Then we held an additional meeting with the client and created a Business Model Canvas.

Result

## Measuring results for success

We ideated two design concepts:  
  
**Concept #1**: Artist-as-token focus, capturing a **big portrait, investment stats**, urgency, analytics (such as “Top Performers” or “Hidden Gem”).  
**Concept #2**: Premium artist profile with **emotional visuals**, social links, investment graph, “About” blocks.  
  
The client selected **Concept #1** for its transparency and user-centric design.

## Refined Benefits & Outcomes

### 01. Clear, Strategic Product Development

We built the project on deep research using tools like the BMS to define the **product’s role and value**. Every step, from brief to final UI, was **transparent and structured.**

### 02. Transparent Process & Communication

Frequent syncs, visual documentation, and clear communication made the process **predictable and collaborative**. The client always understood where we were and why.

### 03. Trust Through Quality & Immersion

Despite being a contest, **we worked like it was a full client project**. Research depth, design quality, and multiple concepts helped build **genuine trust**.

### 04. Real-World Result: Future Collaboration

We have established **successful tight bonds, meeting in real life** and discussing future plans on collaboration.

### Related cases

- [Golden Ticket - OTHR](/cases/golden-ticket-othr-ux-ui-design)

![Golden Ticket Competition | Rondesignlab](https://res.cloudinary.com/ducxztw9n/image/upload/v1757502988/03_3959879698.webp)
*Golden Ticket Competition | Rondesignlab*

> The client chose the first concept…In the process we also decided to meet in LA.

## Summary of the project

### 01. Defining the purpose and the value of the product

It is a vital step in every design project we land our hands on. The purpose and the value of the product drives the future process of designing as it hints to what the user wants and needs from the said product, and to how to frame it best.

### 02. Mapping the design process

To measure the scope of a project we map out all of the phases important for it. We aim to combine efficiency and quality for every product we design, and this case was not an exception.

### 03. Work in progress

It’s the step we like the most - the actual process of creating the UX UI of the project. We make sure to keep in touch with the client throughout the whole process to agree on the result that would be appealing and effective.

### 04. Result + Surprise meeting

At this step we present the finished product with two designed versions for this specific case. To our surprise, we got to meet the client afterwards, which left a pleasant aftertaste and set the foundation for future collaboration.