EDUCATION

SHOULD BE A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE


Project Duration

April 2022- June 2022

Role

Solo project for google UX/IU Design certification.

Responsibilities

Conducted interviews, paper and digital wireframing, low and high-fidelity prototyping, usability studies, accounting for accessibility, iterating on designs, determining information architecture, and responsive design.



Problem

Education opportunities are prohibitively expensive and out of reach for many people who do not have the financial means to gain access to resources.

Goal

My goal was to create a responsive website that makes educational-based information free, opportunities, and resources easily accessible consistently from different devices.


Research

I conducted an unmoderated research survey with 4 participants ranging from age 40-55yo from various backgrounds to gain a better understanding of moving forward with the development of the platform.

Questions

·    Can you describe your experience visiting a website or using a mobile app in researching or gaining information

for a particular topic or service?

·    As a user, what platform do you prefer to use, website or app?

·    Based on your answer can you describe why you prefer to use one over the other and why?

·    What issues or challenges do you encounter using a mobile app when looking for information or a service?

·    What issues or challenges do/did you encounter using a website when looking for information or a service?

·    Is there any way in which you feel you can resolve these challenges?

Discoveries

The participants in my research expressed that some sites were too cluttered and disorganized with finding information about various educational resources. Some felt the information was outdated or not valid. Thus users want a platform that is easy to navigate, well organized and can access educational opportunities at no additional cost.


Pain Points

Wants your Data

Apps tend to want access to things on my phone so they may collect data on me.

Requires Download

Apps require me to download something.  Extra steps and time.

Bad navigation

Website searches aren’t intuitive and need more prompts to narrow the search for specifics.


PERSONAS

Affinity Map

Sarah Lee is a small business owner who needs a streamlined workflow because she wants more time to be spent with her child.

Jules a former house painter taking in adventures needs to research new areas of interest he plans to visit because it improves his world views.

Jules User Journey

THE DESIGN PROCESS

Information Architechture

Iterations

Paper Wireframes

After creating my preliminary IA diagram, I utilized that information as a guide to the iteration process.

Usability study

I reached out to 6 participants and conducted an unmoderated remote usability study that took 10-15 minutes to complete.

Digital Wireframes

click on image to enlarge


click on image to enlarge

Discoveries


Easy to find

Needed quick access to educational resources.

Legible and Clear

Captivating graphics and color scheme that's easy on the eyes.

Simple to Use

Hassle-free navigation without having to go through unnecessary steps.


The Outcome

High-Fidelity Prototype

Interact with prototype here

Responsive Mobile Version

When it came to the mobile version, I made the button icon feature large giving the user a clearer view on a smaller screen.




Participants observation


“I like the look of the app – from your statement on the “front” page that education should be a right, which sets the tone as uplifting and optimistic, to the picture tiles, which draw the viewer’s attention and contribute to an overall attractive and modern feel.”

– Professor Burkart PhD.


Accessibility Considerations

Clear Icons for interactive elements that can be read by screen readers.

The initial focus of the home screen on personalized recommendations helps define the primary task or action for the user.


Reflections + What I Learned

I learned that having access to knowledge and learning should be a human right. Thus, creating a platform that makes it accessible for all is a logical step in the process. I learned that the right color combination and shapes should be easy on the eyes and accessible to all users.

Next Steps

I would like to expand the usefulness of this site by incorporating VR AR and that focus on mental and physical health.

Create multiple language options and a section where people can contribute additional information.

I created a pathway to how the website will flow.

click to enlarge.

click on image to enlarge