SkillSync
Home learning platform
Project Summary
Amid the e-learning surge during COVID-19, enrolments skyrocketed by 40%, with technology, language, and personal development courses leading the charge. However, a critical challenge emerged – a decline in sustained learner focus. This case study delves into the issue, aiming to uncover practical strategies that reignite the joy of learning while tackling the distractions, lack of support, and engagement associated with remote work and online education.
This project seeks to develop a new take on an e-learning platform for individuals to overcome challenges, ensuring a more fulfilling and effective learning journey in the evolving landscape of online education.
Creative
Designer
Website
Developer
Illustration & Brand
Role :
Designer and Researcher
Duration :
3 weeks
Tools :
Figma and Illustration
The Process
Interesting Secondary Research
60% of students transitioning to online learning found it boring and struggled to stay attentive.
77% of 800 college students prefer in-person learning in class better than online methods due to lack of online support.
Over 60% of corporate learners preferred interactive role-play simulations and hybrid learning.
Problem
Limited opportunities for real-time interactions with peers and instructors
Reduced engagement, potential feelings of isolation, and a less dynamic learning experience
Difficulty managing time effectively and staying organised in a flexible learning environment
Hypothesis
Incorporate customisable dashboards suitable to users learning styles
Offer incentives and mini-rewards as motivation for successfully completing additional and optional challenges
Provide opportunity to create group sessions and open study related discussions
What could actually make learning more enjoyable?
These themes have the potential to reshape our approach to at-home learning. I aim to create a platform that not only adapts to current circumstances but also lays the groundwork for a more dynamic and effective future of remote learning.
Gamify
From gaming, I've learned the satisfaction that comes with levelling up and the rewards earned through the tough grinds.
Learning Styles
Offering personalised learning styles with courses tailored to individual preferences, as opposed to an overwhelming abundance of choice.
Collaboration
Facilitating group sessions, encouraging idea-sharing, and fostering an interactive community for mutual assistance and collaboration.
DISCOVERY
Competitive Analysis and Heuristics
Analysing how my competitors provide content to users offers valuable insights into their methods. This exploration allows me to pinpoint opportunities for enhancements, spotlight beneficial practices while avoiding questionable ones.
Overview
Udemy is an online learning platform offering a diverse range of courses. Users access expert-led content, featuring personalized learning, robust search, and a global community.
Features
Wide-ranging learning content
Personalised Recommendations: Tailored course suggestions
Interactive Learning:Engaging and participative
Global Community: Connect with learners
Expert Instructors: Industry-experienced course creators
Mobile-Friendly Platform: Seamless learning on-the-go
Comprehensive Reviews: In-depth user feedback
Progress Tracking: Monitor course advancement
Heurisitcs
A comprehensive grasp of the progress status within each course.
no clear way to back out and select other courses, or option to restart progress.
The brand identity is not closely maintained when transitioning from the desktop to the mobile version.
lack of shortcuts and ability to create custom dashboard.
Simple and bold design with non decorative elements keeping users focused.
Discover assistance and support at the page's bottom. Additionally, an active community is present for further help.
Strengths
Udemy's user interface is intuitively designed, facilitating easy navigation
The platform features a powerful search system, enabling users to efficiently find courses and relevant content
The usability of Udemy is strengthened by its visually appealing and interactive course presentation, enhancing user engagement
Weaknesses
Some courses on Udemy may vary in quality, leading to inconsistencies in the learning experience
Pricing can vary, and some users may find certain courses expensive
The platform might not have stringent criteria for vetting instructors, leading to variations in teaching quality
Overview
Coursera is a global education hub, partners with top universities, providing diverse courses, industry-relevant content, and flexible learning with verified certificates.
Features
Top institutions enrich course content
Wide variety across subjects offered
Earn credibility with course completion
Individual courses, specialisations, and degrees
Engaging multimedia, quizzes, and assessments
Forums for collaborative learning experiences
On-the-go learning with mobile app
Regular updates reflect current industry trends
Heurisitcs
Clearly divided tabs and categories on homepage. Clearly divided sections for resources on each course.
There's no option to customise the dashboard or bookmark specific video segments for later reference.
The mobile version smoothly transitions to desktop, featuring a strong and consistent design system.
homepage curated with recommended suggestions.
Simple and bold design with non decorative elements keeping users focused, minimal colour range.
Live chat service available while doing course.
Strengths
Option to ’set set daily learning goals’ to boost learning initiative
Courses are well-organised, providing a clear and logical structure that enhances the overall learning experience
The platform incorporates interactive elements such as quizzes and peer assessments, fostering engagement and a dynamic learning environment
Coursera's responsive design ensures a seamless and consistent user experience across various devices, promoting accessibility
Weaknesses
Some courses may vary in interface design, leading to inconsistencies in the overall user experience
While courses are informative, the platform may lack advanced interactive features, limiting engagement for certain learning styles
Some courses may be more theoretical, and learners seeking hands-on, practical skills might find the content less applicable
Overview
Skillshare is an creative learning platform with project-based creative courses, a vibrant community, and diverse instructors. Its subscription model offers unlimited access to short video lessons and exclusive Skillshare Originals for comprehensive skill development
Features
Focus on design, writing, photography
Emphasises practical, project-based skill acquisition
Fosters collaboration, project sharing, feedback
Monthly fee for diverse course access
Industry pros, passionate experts teach
Accessible via mobile app anytime
Concise lessons for flexible scheduling
Offline viewing for flexibility
Heurisitcs
Distinct branding, swift access to categorised classes
Inability to bookmark video segments, or restart class progress.
While the design system is robust, the mobile version appears overly simplified, lacking some features present in the desktop interface.
Lacking accessibility features for those who may need it.
Great bold design, with unique branding and a minimal interface.
No live chat service. Additionally, class teachers may be less responsive in reviewing work.
Strengths
Skillshare emphasises hands-on, project-based learning for practical skill development
The platform encourages collaboration, project sharing, and feedback, creating a lively and engaging learning community
With a subscription model, Skillshare provides cost-effective access to a diverse array of courses
Skillshare Originals, exclusive content developed with industry leaders, offers unique and high-quality learning experiences
The option to schedule one-on-one sessions with professionals for a more personalised and intimate learning experience
Weaknesses
Skillshare's open platform results in varying course quality, impacting the overall learning experience
Some instructors may lack responsiveness, affecting learner engagement and feedback
Skillshare does not provide accredited certificates, potentially limiting their recognition in professional contexts
Heurisitcs Legend
Visibility
User Control
Consistency and Satndards
Help and documentaion
Flexibility and Efficiency of use
Aesthetic Minimalist design
Challenges
Identifying distinctive features that stood out
Compiling insightful analytical data for practical use
Seeking unbiased and objective weaknesses and strengths during the assessment process
Delving into Heuristic analysis tackling each aspect
Insights
Common themes were a lack of interactivity, engagement, and varying course quality
Lack of user control and freedom, and options for accessibility (bespoke learning styles)
Each platform has their own USP in terms of course direction, content, and style
User Survey
I wanted to understand users' true expectations from a learning platform, prioritising personalised value over a mere abundance of content. How can the platform tailor itself to accommodate individual needs and requirements, ensuring effective learning sessions and delivering genuine value for their investment?
Learning Styles
Q1 - What type of learner are you (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic), and does the learning platform accommodate your preferred learning style?
“
I prefer hands-on learning through tasks and challenges after acquiring knowledge. In some courses I've taken, practical challenges have been beneficial for applying what I've learned
”
“
As a creative, I'm not much of a reader. I prefer minimal text and gravitate towards courses that incorporate more visuals and sound
”
“
I'm a visual learner and benefit significantly from information presented visually. It would be great if I could choose courses that specifically accommodate and emphasise visual learning methods
”
Q2 - To what extent do reward systems contribute to maintaining your motivation to complete courses, and do you believe they are helpful?
“
For me, the gratification comes from witnessing tangible progress and achieving set targets. Being able to track and meet milestones is personally fulfilling in my learning journey
”
“
I struggle to maintain focus and rarely complete Udemy courses. Unsure if it's due to the course quality or a lack of incentives to keep me motivated throughout the learning journey
”
“
I think a reward system is a great idea, but I'm unsure of how it could be effectively implemented in my online learning experience
”
Q3 - What post-course resources or support would you find valuable for continued learning?
“
I believe direct contact with instructors would be highly beneficial, though I understand they may have busy schedules
”
“
I quite like the idea of group exercises but not sure how this could work
”
“
The Coursera community is fairly active, and the chat bot is interesting. But, the addition of a human touch is what we would all love to see
”
Challenges
Gathering an array of results not focused in one area
Distinguishing between high and low-value potential pain points
Assessing the feasibility and realism of potential options
Identifying responses that are non bias and practical
Insights
Users exhibit low engagement levels and desire more human interaction
Users encounter challenges in time management and lack post-course support
Users' diverse learning styles may not be accommodated effectively.
DEFINING
Inside Our Users' Minds
To effectively design a product that caters to users' concerns, we would essentially need to put ourselves in their shoes. What makes them tick? how would one expect to relate their concerns and mixed emotions?
Learnings & Future Impact
My goal is to accommodate all user types while prioritising high-impact value propositions. This involves addressing users' uncertainties during the learning experience, including issues such as lack of motivation and the potential absence of accommodated learning styles, while also identifying opportunities for including a support network.
I explored competitors, investigated heuristics, and collected user research. Categorically organising information gathered from the research.
Outcomes and Directions
Research reveals a disconnect from external resources and a need for direction. Incorporating a community with challenges and optional calls with instructors fosters support and connection. Join study groups for discussions and engage in challenges to earn medals, showcasing hard work.
Furthermore, defining learning paths aligned with users' preferences enhances accessibility. Before delving into design concepts, defining the sitemap is essential.
DESIGNING
Information Architecture
Before we jump into sketching and wireframing design ideas, let's get a handle on the product's information architecture. What screens are we working with, and in what order do they appear?
Wireframes
Three use-cases presented visually in the wireframe. What the user would expect to see while exploring the learning platform.
Design Choices
Identifying Themes
Building a brand with a simple palette, and loud accent colours. The identified three themes to integrate into the product for a versatile and enjoyable learning journey - Community, Challenges, and Learning Styles.
Pick learning styles in the onboarding
Continue
Dashboard with all user metrics at a glance
Users can join learning groups and participate in study related discussions
Users can take on challenges made by the community to earn medals
Dashboard - Course Completion
The dashboard will display all user metrics and stats, and will be the hub to navigate through the webapp.
Learning groups
A place for users to discuss study related topics, roadblocks, while even recommending and tagging courses.
Challenges
Users can participate in challenges curated by the community, tailored to different learning styles.
To Conclude
I wanted to draw attention to the app's accessibility features, ensuring that users of all abilities can easily engage with the platform. Moreover, I aimed to transform the traditional approach to home learning by infusing elements of fun and interactivity, thereby enhancing user engagement. Rather than merely serving as a repository of courses, I envisioned the platform as a vibrant community where users can actively participate, share ideas, and collaborate.
This shift from passive consumption to active involvement fosters a dynamic learning environment, promoting deeper understanding and knowledge retention, and a greater sense of support and connection. By emphasising interaction and socialisation, the platform transcends its role as a mere educational resource, becoming a lively hub for knowledge exchange and enjoyable learning.