NavigatEDU
📝 CONTRIBUTION
Research, Design, Prototyping
⏰ TIMELINE
4 Days
👥 TEAM
5 UX Designers
4 Software Engineers
PROBLEM
Families are experiencing issues communication with the educational system because they require digital literacy skills to interact effectively with teachers and schools
OUTPUT
NavigatEDU, a live centralized platform that provides users with step-by-step tutorials to expand digital literacy skills and boost confidence skills while communicating online.
"It is dangerously destabilizing to have half the world on the cutting edge of technology while the other half struggles on the bare edge of survival." -William J. Clinton
OVERVIEW
A world with Digital Equity is one where communities and individuals have equal access to internet, devices, and information.
In collaboration with four other team members, we explored several avenues of digital equity . From our initial research, we found 1 in 5 U.S. households are not connected to the internet at home. We wanted to address this issue by creating a platform that gives students more access to digital devices in schools. We interviewed teachers and admins across 4 states from Hawaii to New York.
PROBLEM
Families are experiencing issues communicating with the educational system because they lack digital literacy skills.
Contrary to our initial research, all of the educators we interviewed stated that they aren’t currently lacking in computers or devices for their students. However, all DID express they’ve noticed a difference in digital literacy between students, and their parents or teachers.
They also spoke to the diversity of their student population, and expressed empathy for non-English speaking parents who struggle with digital literacy.
SOLUTION
NavigatEDU - a platform that provides multilingual tutorials to teach users fundamental digital literacy skills essential for navigating a digital landscape.
1. Interactive tutorials to allow active participation and learn step-by-step, basic digital literacy skills.
2. User-friendly interface with drop-down language menu to access educational content in users preferred language.
3. Access a glossary of definitions to quickly understand and reinforce concepts learned.
First-Look at MVP Features
Create interactive lessons to teach users the basics of the internet
From ‘Browser Basics: 101’ to ‘Internet Privacy,’ we’re equipping users with the digital literacy skills they need to communicate and take on the role of a digital citizen to level the playing field across the nation.
A way for users to access content in their preferred language
Users can effortlessly switch between languages to access tutorials and educational content in their preferred language. We wanted to enhance inclusivity by accommodating a diverse user base with different cultural and lingual backgrounds.
Review definitions to reinforce key terms that appear in multiple lessons
Each lesson is unique, however a single term can appear more than once throughout the lessons. A glossary helps users develop a solid foundation by providing quick clarity and context.
INTERVIEWS
Insights from real teachers and administrator about the digital literacy gap in classrooms and frustrations about communication
👩🏼🏫
“Parents do not know how to access the information in their day to day lives.”
Teachers often rely on digital platforms to communicate with parents, such as through emails, online portals, or messaging apps.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is that we are four steps ahead of families, they are computer illiterate.”
Families don’t require the digital literacy skills required to communicate effectively with their children’s teacher.
👨🏽🏫
“Parents not knowing how to use technology and websites hinders my ability to be the best teacher I can be.”
Many educational resources are now available online. When parents struggle with technology, this can hinder a teacher’s efforts to promote a collaborative learning environment.
USER PERSONA
The parent that best represents our target audience
Maria
Maria is a hardworking immigrant from Mexico, juggling multiple jobs and responsibilities as a mother. Despite her busy schedule, she is motivated to improve her digital literacy skills to stay connected with her child’s school.
COMP ANALYSIS
Insights from online learning platforms and teaching content
Other platforms allow users to select topics to learn.
These platforms have simple, easy-to-use user interfaces with the ability to choose lessons based on topics, slideshow formats, step-by-step lessons, and language preferences.
DESIGN EVOLUTION
How we took a conceptual product and launched it (in 4 days)
1. Design studio sessions with team to quickly draw ideas
2. Wireframes to set the framework
3. Hi-Fidelity to create inviting & friendly branding
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BRANDING
Creating a brand identity around the concepts of learning and imperfect growth to create a sense of fun and comfort
Using organic shapes and earthy jewel tones, we wanted NavigatEDU to be friendly, approachable, and playful for our users like Maria. Predominant colors were toned down oranges as yellow and orange are known to simulate creative thinking which is helpful in language learning and adapting to new skills.
THE FINAL WEBSITE
CONCLUSION + FINAL THOUGHTS
As a team, we discovered problems with our initial research, pivoted with 2 days left in the competition, created solutions and built NavigatEDU, a fully functional website.
This was my first group project working with software engineers, and there’s a few things I would do differently next time:
1. Advocate for UX Research
While tensions arose when software engineers proposed solving a problem without proper research (the job of the UX designers), I realized the significance of establishing roles at the beginning of the project. In the future, I would emphasize the value of UX Designers and advocate for research and its integration into the design and development process to ensure a more effective outcome!
2. Encourage open and frequent dialogue between the UX Designers & Engineers.
The night before the end of the competition, many conflicts and challenges arose during the implementation process for the engineers, creating feelings on uncertainty and doubt. Going forward, I would strive to encourage strong communication so we can work together, streamline workflow, and ensure our collective expertise is leverage to create a harmonious and impactful website.