A solution for finding the right alternative program
Intro
AltEd is a mobile app design challenge created to showcase alternative education programs aimed at professional skill development and career advancement. As part of a two-week collaborative project with three other UI/UX designers, the focus was on enhancing platform functionality and the user experience. Using an iterative, user-centered design approach, we aimed to conceptualize a solution that would effectively connect users with relevant educational resources while addressing key pain points in the industry.
The Solution
AltEd presents a curated list of programs, similar to a shopping cart, where users can read alumni reviews. This helps streamline the decision-making process and addresses key user pain points in program exploration.
Finding quality alternative education programs online is difficult, often relying on word-of-mouth. Users tend to fear missing out on better options and need an efficient way to compare programs that are time and cost-effective.
The Problem
Color & Typography
App Structure
Verifying Account
I streamlined the registration form for quick completion, allowing users to sign up via email or social media. After entering their email, users receive an OTP for verification.
Main Screens
After logging in, users land on the Categories page, the default Home. They can choose specific categories to explore program listings. Upon selecting a program, users can view details, save it, or enroll. All saved programs are available under the ♡ Saved page, with an easy option to unsave directly from the detail page.
User Profile (Account)
The Account page features a 'User Profile' section, allowing users to review their personal information, recent activities, and preferences. Additionally, users can access various application settings through the 'App Setting' option.
Icon Sheet
Design Process
Empathize
My colleagues and I discovered a shared challenge in finding the ideal program before earning a specific certificate in a field of study. This common pain point became our motivation for the project. We collaborated to gather interview insights and used third-party research to empathize with users facing similar struggles.
The following objectives and interview questions were key in guiding our research process.
10 participants
5 male / 5 female
Ages 20~40
10~15 min
Interview Result
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Participants highlighted location as a key factor in choosing programs.
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Six out of ten relied on Google for independent enrollment, while the others used word of mouth.
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Comparing programs was the most time-consuming task, often leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, and skepticism.
Following the interviews, I translated the user research findings into a comprehensive affinity diagram to visually represent user needs, goals, pain points, and motivations.
Utilizing the affinity map, I created a user persona with the same pain points and needs to ensure user needs in future designs.
Brief journey map of Ricardo:
Market Research
After conducting user research, I carried out a comprehensive competitor analysis to identify key trends and weaknesses in the alternative education market. The insights gained from this analysis played a crucial role in shaping the design process for AltEd. One key finding was that positioning AltEd as a mobile app with easy program discovery and transparent reviews could provide significant value. By incorporating clear, accessible program listings and honest user feedback, AltEd could stand out in a competitive market.
Direct and Indirect Competitors
Define
I created the point-of-view (POV) statements by observing Ricardo's perspectives to make sense of the gathered through research and user persona. Then I followed up with 'How might we?' (HMW) questions to brainstorm how we can streamline users looking for the right alternative programs. This was done to synthesize what I know about the user needs into an actionable plan.
POV Statements / HMW Questions
Ideate
User Flow
After gathering important information, I brainstormed the best possible solutions to user problems. To optimize the program search experience, the key features included are My Preferences page which allows the user to enter their needs to get matched to programs accordingly, a filter for price, category, and location of programs, and a list of alumni reviews.
Style Guide
Lo-Fi Wireframe
Prototype
Midi-Prototype
I translated initial sketches into prototypes for extensive usability testing. The focus centered on four main education categories: Bootcamp, Trade school, Online classes, and Military programs, commonly sought by individuals seeking professional skill development. Additionally, our team incorporated an 'Edxplain' page into the onboarding process, providing users with a comprehensive overview of the AltEd platform and its functionalities.
Evaluate
Our team conducted a usability test on five users, asking them to complete three important tasks to observe their navigation of the app and spot any confusion or errors.
Tasks
1. Sign out after logging in or signing up
2. Bookmark a program
3. Find the description of Adult School
Participants
2 male / 3 female
Age range 20~30
10~15 min
UX Feedback
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Consider simplifying 'Edxplain' to a straightforward tutorial format.
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Incorporate a 'share' function for individual programs.
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Enable users to resume from where they left off using Bookmark.
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Opt for a concise survey over a detailed questionnaire.
UI Feedback
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Streamline the Bookmark & Filter icons for improved clarity
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Adjust the size and spacing of the Rating star icons, following the format in Version B
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Ensure the visibility of the bottom menu for swift navigation across different pages
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Consider altering the distracting yellow background
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Revitalize the logo to make it more appealing and engaging"
Usability Test Feedback
Overall Challenges
Lesson
Through design iterations and feedback from mentors, we realized that focusing on click reduction, while intended to improve user experience, became a challenge within our tight timeline. We also learned that reducing clicks could confuse users by hiding important navigation keywords typically found in clickable elements.
Next Step
After completing the project, I revisited and refined the designs, incorporating insights from testing and iterations. The final prototype, featured at the top of this page, reflects our progress. Moving forward, my goal is to collaborate with software engineers to bring the product to life.
The Struggle
The diverse age range and backgrounds of users seeking alternative education programs posed a challenge for AltEd. Users' reasons for pursuing a program were highly personal, making it difficult to create a solution that addressed everyone's unique needs. Additionally, the definition of a "great" program varied—some prioritized job placement and practical lessons, while others valued strong instruction, complicating the recognition of key user requirements.