IVP

Project Overview

I designed an educational platform aimed at bridging the gap between students, parents, teachers, and tutors in Illinois. The platform focuses on enhancing learning experiences, reducing educational disparities, and fostering a supportive educational community.

Starting as a consultant on a team of six, I later assumed a leadership role during the prototyping and usability testing phases. This involved guiding the team in translating research insights into functional designs and iterating on the platform based on user feedback to ensure a seamless and intuitive experience.

Problem Statement

The educational landscape in Illinois faces significant challenges, including systemic disparities, teacher shortages, and the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students often struggle with finding accessible resources and guidance, while teachers face challenges such as burnout, limited professional development opportunities, and the need for innovative teaching methods. Bridging these gaps requires a platform that connects all stakeholders—students, parents, teachers, and tutors—and fosters equity, accountability, and collaboration.

How Might We Questions

The project aimed to explore solutions by addressing the following questions:

Student Engagement and Agency

1. How might we leverage student behaviors and habits developed during the pandemic to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences?
2. How might we empower students to take greater ownership of their learning journey by equipping them with tools and strategies to solve problems independently?
3. How might we integrate accountability structures that naturally inspire and sustain student engagement?

Personalized Learning

1. How might we design customizable learning experiences that strengthen the connection between teachers and students while addressing individual needs and goals?

Teacher Engagement and Support

1. How might we harness teacher behaviors and innovations developed during the pandemic to foster more dynamic and impactful teaching methods?
2. How might we provide targeted support to help teachers navigate the challenges of post-pandemic education, including burnout, changing student needs, and evolving curricula?

Partnerships and Community

1. How might we encourage and sustain meaningful partnerships between teachers and institutions like UIUC to bridge gaps in resources, innovation, and professional development?

Process

• User Research: Conducted interviews and surveys to understand the unique needs and challenges of students, parents, teachers, and tutors.
• Persona Development: Created detailed user personas to guide the design process and ensure the platform meets the needs of its users.
• User Stories: Developed scenarios illustrating how different users interact with the platform to achieve their goals.
• Prototyping & Leadership: Transitioned from a consultant role to team lead during the prototyping and usability testing phases, ensuring designs were user-centered and functionally robust.
• Design and Development: Utilized Figma for UI/UX design, ensuring an intuitive and accessible interface. Implemented the design using WordPress and HTML for a responsive and user-friendly website.
• Feature Integration: Incorporated functionalities like advanced search, tutor content previews, personalized recommendations, and user follow options.

Key Features

• Advanced Search Functionality: Enables users to quickly find relevant content by simply typing in keywords.
• Tutor Content Showcase: Tutors can upload educational materials, allowing students to gauge compatibility and expertise before booking sessions.
• Personalized Recommendations: Offers suggestions for study groups, tutoring services, and relevant lectures based on user interactions.
• Community Engagement: Features options to follow tutors and participate in study groups, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Outcome

The platform effectively addresses the needs of all users:

• Students gain access to tailored educational resources and can connect with tutors who match their learning styles.
• Parents find reassurance in the availability of quality resources and credible tutors to support their children's education.
• Teachers can supplement their teaching with additional resources and recommend trustworthy materials to students.
• Tutors have a space to showcase their expertise and connect with students in need of assistance.

By focusing on accessibility, compatibility, and community, the platform aims to enhance educational outcomes and reduce disparities within the Illinois educational landscape.