UnVale - Shedding Light on a Neurodivergent Digital Community
When I began working with the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (CNDCC), I wasn't entirely sure what types of companies would be influenced by their message. As the CNDCC started to grow, I became acquainted with a few organizations that did not neatly fit into any "box" or industry type, yet found a home within the neurodivergent community.
One of those companies is UnVale. Though relatively new, their unique company structure and working mindset goes against the grain of most modern day companies. I had a chance to sit down with Casey Lawlor, CEO and Co-Founder of UnVale, to discuss their company and how they are changing the world around them.
Casey Lawlor, originally from Chicago, has been working with startups for the last decade. He enjoys working with brand new companies, the tenacity of the workforce, and helping to build companies from the ground up. His favorite part of his career path is working with "very idealistic people trying to change things for the better". During the Covid-19 pandemic, Casey was presented with the opportunity to start UnVale and pressed forward with it.
What is UnVale?
"UnVale is the home for digital identities that Gen-Z uses to enter online communities. 80% of Gen-Z don't like to use their real identity online, they prefer to use some surrogate. We are the platform for people that want to design and create this digital alter ego..."
It is no secret that Gen-Z is the most technologically advanced generation yet. Having grown up during rapid advances in technology, they experienced a unique upbringing with constantly being surrounded by new digital platforms and online communities. As these have grown in scale and popularity, so has the need for a digital identity.
In short, UnVale is a hub for artists, creators, and visionaries to express their individuality so that people who want a specific online identity can craft their own story. Individuality is extremely important for this young generation and that has now expanded into 'digital individuality'. This need has surpassed the current availability like using Bitmoji or a unique profile picture. More often than not, these identities can include specific art styles, backstories, and even world building. Artists and users of UnVale have the ability to design their online identity to whatever extent they want or need.
UnVale is a repository of artists and art styles. Users of the site can follow certain artists and then reach out to them (if available) to help craft their online identity. It's a collaborative process that requires vulnerability from both the artist and user so that this profile can be created.
Where Can People Use These Digital Identities?
The most popular platforms for digital identities are Twitter, Twitch, and Discord. Twitter, known for its short form and quick communication, has user profiles that include a biography and profile picture. UnVale users can broadcast their digital identity through the user profile to create the persona or world that they want.
Twitch and Discord, both popular within the gaming community, can be heavily focused on the identity of an individual user. For those who do not want to use their own identity, UnVale would offer artwork and character creation to those who want to include a separate digital identity.
Naturally, the digital identity requires some sort of digital platform to be present. However, Casey did mention that users have also used character creation for the popular roleplaying game, Dungeons and Dragons. For a game that is based on characters that interact with other players, UnVale provides the resources necessary to help craft a full character or identity for role playing games.
What Sparked The Idea for UnVale?
"I want to say this was an osmosis situation by being in convention communities with these artists. Understanding what their pain points were, and understanding unique behavior around original characters and how unique it was."
UnVale was born to solve an issue that was apparent in the art community. With the rise of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and the art community having to spread themselves across multiple platforms (Etsy, Instagram, Facebook, and others), Casey and his co-founders were determined to create a platform that could unite a disconnected community with common needs. He also mentioned that by making the hub more accessible, it would allow for artists to focus more on creation. Rather than having to constantly promote themselves across multiple platforms, they can focus on art, creativity, and working with the individuals that want to create stories.
"How Do You Find Yourself Fitting In with the CNDCC?"
"We describe our work culture as introvert-first. We built most of our processes around not having to show up in a social way (or ways that can make individuals uncomfortable), we're asynchronous, and over half of our team is neurodiverse."
The team at UnVale does not adhere to many of the common structures that you find at a typical business. By taking away barriers and listening to their employees, they’ve created a space to thrive and an environment they feel comfortable in. Below are some of the steps that UnVale takes to help their employees.
All team members work on their own schedules and have very few meetings (check in meeting one a week maximum)
Resources are shared out in channels/mediums that allow for multiple methods of understanding. For example, they use messaging on Slack and screen capture video resources (Loom) to share notes/projects rather than long form meetings and email.
Zoom meetings do not include video unless everyone involved is comfortable with it
Team building activities are optional with no video or audio required. People can participate via Slack if they would like. The team experiences near 100% participation with these options available.
This also allows them to connect with their user base. Neurodiversity, according to Casey, is very prevalent in this community so the ability to offer that to customers is incredibly important. The accommodates they make for their own staff also filter into their client base so that everyone feels comfortable.
How Can Other Businesses Support/Work With UnVale?
Casey thought for a moment and then shared, "Anyone in the gaming space, big communities with online presence, anyone who interfaces with schools or education."
Casey went on to describe an interesting use case of where children with Autism used character creation to create a profile that they could see themselves in. As these children went through the character building process, it allowed for teachers and caregivers to understand some of the interests the students have.
"If someone built a character with cleats or a jersey, one may interpret that as them being interested in sports", Casey said. Allowing these students a space to explore their own personality and make whatever they want can provide insights into their personality. This can help pair together students with similar interests or give ideas of how to make learning fun with different activities that pique their interests.
Casey continued on to say that the creation of a digital identity is not too different from how children (neurodivergent or neurotypical) express themselves. Their identity, the clothes they wear, the hobbies they have, the friends they make, all extend from their distinct personality. Adding a digital component allows individuals to explore that in greater detail which can allow for a better understanding.
UnVale is doing some fantastic work for the neurodivergent and introverted community. Their technology and content hub allows for unbridled creativity that speaks to the individualistic nature that exists in all of us. If you are interested in learning more about UnVale, please visit their website (https://unvale.io/). Casey is also a prominent figure in the start up community and can be found at several events across the city to support new businesses. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or find his email at the website if interested in partnering with UnVale.