A mockup of a person checking out the Social Change Innovators website on a laptop

Social Change Innovators

SCI is a knowledge base and online learning environment for social entrepreneurs. I co-created the platform together with Dr. Debbi Brock, redesigned it multiple times, and added a learning management system.
Design
Frontend
Backend
Client
Catalyst 2030, Social Enterprise Netherlands
Years
2018 - 2024
Role
Lead Developer

Social Change Innovators

SCI is a knowledge base and online learning environment for social entrepreneurs. I co-created the platform together with Dr. Debbi Brock, redesigned it multiple times, and added a learning management system.
Design
Frontend
Backend
Client
Catalyst 2030, Social Enterprise Netherlands
Years
2018 - 2024
Role
Co-Creator, Developer
A mockup of a person checking out the Social Change Innovators website on a laptop

Technologies

PHP Backend
MySQL Database
Processwire CMS
AlpineJS
Project Timeline

From a shared Dropbox to a knowledge base and learning environment

Social Change Innovators was established in 2018 as a dedicated platform for social entrepreneurship educators globally. Initially, the resource sharing started in a Dropbox managed by Dr. Debbi Brock, supporting 695 members. This approach, however, encountered challenges such as disorganized file management, difficulties in emphasizing quality content, and overall content saturation. In response, I co-developed an initial web-based interface during a summer research project to enhance the resource exchange process. Following this, we undertook a significant redesign and integrated a learning management system to more effectively accommodate our expanding user base.

2018

Launched Social Change Innovators 🎉

In the summer of 2018, Dr. Debbi Brock and I researched the best way we could solve the problem of exchanging teaching materials between social entrepreneurship faculty around the world. The solution was a knowledge base as a web application with easy file sharing and categorization, community and engagement features, and a process for content moderation.

A screenshot of the initial design of the Social Change Innovators website
Dr. Debbi Brock and Nik Martin inside a university office working together

2020

Improved SCI with a complete redesign ✨

After we learned that the platform is not only suited for educators but also for any social innovators that want to educate themselves, we redesigned the platform to accommodate a broader user base. We also used analytics and user feedback data to improve the usability of the platform.

A screenshot of the homepage of Social Change Innovators
A mockup of Social Change Innovators on a tablet
A screenshot of SCI on a smartphone

2024

Launched the first online course 🧑‍🎓

In a collaboration with Social Enterprise Netherlands, we implemented a learning management system (LMS) with interactive Miro exercises, team-based registration and learning, and the option to adjust the course to the users interests.

Screenshot of XCEPT
Outcome

A platform for social innovators

2000+ regular visitors on the platform

Won the Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Award at USASBE in 2019

Became a member of the Catalyst 2030, a movement of social entrepreneurs collaborating to achieve the SDG's

An image of Debbi Brock and Niklas Martin receiving an award
A portrait of Debbi Brock
"Throughout our partnership, Niklas consistently demonstrates his keen understanding of client needs, professionalism, and  providing insightful recommendations spanning from user interface to programming design, all coupled with outstanding project management skills. Having engaged with other developers during Niklas's unavailability, I can confidently affirm that Nik remains my preferred choice for any development project. Why? Because I have full trust in Niklas Martin to consistently deliver a high-quality product, within budget, and on schedule."

Dr. Debbi Brock

Systems Learning & Development Facilitator