Transformasi Keterampilan Kreatif UMKM Melalui Adopsi User Friendly Platform : Strategi Penguatan Ekonomi Lokal Menuju Smart Community

Abstract

Abstract:  Limited visual literacy and inadequate digital design skills remain significant challenges for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in supporting digital transformation. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of mentoring on the use of Canva, a cloud-based no-code design platform, in improving the independent digital design skills of MSME owners. The research employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach by integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition as its conceptual framework. The program involved 15 MSME participants from the culinary and handicraft sectors through intensive training and hands-on mentoring. Participants' performance was evaluated using an Artifact-Based Assessment based on a rubric derived from Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) principles. The results indicate that all participants successfully created digital promotional materials independently, including business logos, promotional posters, product catalogs, social media content, and simple packaging designs. The average skill achievement score reached 84.7 (proficient level), while technology acceptance scored 89.2, indicating a very high level of user acceptance. These findings demonstrate that an easy-to-use design platform, combined with participatory mentoring and practice-based learning, effectively enhances participants' digital design skills, creativity, self-confidence, and digital readiness. The proposed mentoring model has strong potential for replication as a strategy to strengthen MSME digital capacity, support local economic development, and promote the realization of a smart community.

Abstrak: Rendahnya literasi visual dan keterbatasan kemampuan menggunakan aplikasi desain digital masih menjadi tantangan bagi pelaku Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) dalam mendukung transformasi digital. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis efektivitas pendampingan pemanfaatan platform desain berbasis cloud dengan konsep no code, yaitu Canva, untuk meningkatkan keterampilan desain digital pelaku UMKM. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan Participatory Action Research (PAR) dengan mengintegrasikan Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) dan Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition sebagai landasan konseptual. Kegiatan melibatkan 15 pelaku UMKM sektor kuliner dan kerajinan melalui pelatihan intensif serta pendampingan praktik. Evaluasi dilakukan menggunakan Artifact-Based Assessment berdasarkan rubrik yang mengacu pada prinsip Interaksi Manusia dan Komputer (IMK). Hasil menunjukkan seluruh peserta mampu menghasilkan media promosi digital secara mandiri, meliputi logo, poster, katalog produk, konten media sosial, dan desain kemasan sederhana. Rata-rata capaian keterampilan mencapai 84,7 (kategori mahir), sedangkan penerimaan teknologi memperoleh skor 89,2 (kategori sangat tinggi). Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa platform desain yang mudah digunakan, dipadukan dengan pendampingan partisipatif dan pembelajaran berbasis praktik, efektif meningkatkan keterampilan, kreativitas, kepercayaan diri, serta kesiapan digital pelaku UMKM. Model pendampingan ini berpotensi direplikasi sebagai strategi penguatan kapasitas digital UMKM dalam mendukung pengembangan ekonomi lokal dan terwujudnya smart community.