Product Experience
Problem Space
Problem Statement
How can we enhance students' online learning experience by improving access and navigation of resources for greater efficiency and productivity?
Problem Background
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Students of all ages have faced significant disruptions in their access to education. The shift to digital and remote learning has highlighted the importance of ensuring a seamless and productive educational experience for students. Our Research has shown that a central challenge revolves around making online learning resources easily accessible and navigable, as these factors are vital for students to fully benefit from virtual education. (Source: Canada.ca, 2021).
However, research has shown that students often encounter issues accessing and navigating these materials. Challenges include the absence of centralized platforms and inconsistent user interfaces. Even when resources are accessible, poor organization and labeling can hinder students' learning experiences, leading to missed content and lower educational outcomes. (Source: uk.indeed, 2022).
While conducting our own user research, 45.5% of students interviewed identified the decentralization of learning materials as a major issue facing them when trying to access and navigate online learning materials, while 54.5% noted information overload as a major issue when trying to access and navigate online learning materials.
Solving this problem requires innovative solutions that address both technological and educational aspects of resource accessibility and navigation. The goal is to empower students to maximize the advantages of virtual education and mitigate the adverse effects of these issues on their educational journey.
Research Insights
User Pain Points
Using research, Interview and Survey, we identified challenges facing students in their search for learning opportunities
Supporting Data
54.5% of Students surveyed noted information overload as a major issue when trying to access and navigate online learning materials and 45.5% of students interviewed identified the decentralisation of learning materials as a major issue facing them when trying to access and navigate online learning materials.
Feedback
Our preliminary user research to validate this problem with undergraduate students
Landing on the Solution
Following our research, interview and Surveys analysis, we came to understand that most students have issues with how decentralised and disorienting it is to access learning resources.
Explanation of Solution
The proposed solution aims to create a user-friendly centralised platform, improve resource labelling, and ensure compatibility for equitable access, enhancing online learning efficiency and effectiveness.
User Flows/Mockups
Future Steps
We learned from speaking to Students, mentors and colleagues that it will be a good idea to work on implementing other minor Student issues that were mentioned by Students during the Surveys/Interview.
Learnings
Product Manager Learnings:
Oluwakayode Akinseesin
- Embracing an iterative approach, constant feedback loops aid in refining and improving products.
- Recognizing that product management is an ongoing process, identifying areas for iterative improvement ensures continuous enhancement of the product.
Designer Learnings:
Designer Learnings:
Jo Sturdivant
- Adapting to an Established Team: Joining the team in week 6 of 8 was challenging, as I had to quickly adapt to existing workflows, dynamics, and goals. This mirrors real-world situations where you often integrate into teams mid-project, and flexibility is essential.
- Work-Blocking for Efficiency: With only two weeks to complete the project, I learned the importance of a structured work-blocking system. This approach allowed me to manage my time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Making Data-Driven Design Decisions: Unlike my past projects, I had to rely on research conducted by others. This was a valuable experience in using pre-existing data to guide design decisions, helping me focus on the core insights without starting from scratch.
Developer Learnings:
Developer Learnings:
Vanady Beard
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As the back-end developer, I learned how important it is to create efficient and reliable systems that support the entire application. This experience also taught me the importance of optimising the database and ensuring the backend is scalable and easy to maintain.
Developer Learnings:
Stephen Asiedu
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As a back-end developer, I've come to understand the importance of being familiar with various database systems and modules. This knowledge enables me to build diverse applications and maintain versatility in my work. I've also learned that the responsibility for making the right choices rests on my shoulders, guided by my best judgement.
Developer Learnings:
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Developer Learnings:
Maurquise Williams
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- Process of Creating an MVP: Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) taught me how to focus on delivering core functionalities balancing between essential features and avoiding scope creep.
- Collaboration in a Real-World Tech Setting: This experience taught me how to collaborate efficiently in a fast-paced tech environment, keeping the team aligned and productive, even while working remotely across time zones.
- Sharpening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: This experience honed my ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently. By tackling challenges and finding quick solutions, I sharpened my decision-making and troubleshooting skills in a dynamic, real-world setting.
Developer Learnings:
Jeremiah Williams
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All in all this experience was very awesome I learned that in coding with others being transparent is key
Developers Learnings:
Justin Farley
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I learned how important communication is when working with a team. Communication provides understanding, advice, ideas, and much more. While working with the product team, I’ve found that communication keeps everything flowing smoothly. Working with a team also showed me that every member brings something different to the table and we all have to work together in order to align and meet our end goal.