HCD FINAL PROJECT BEHANCE - READFLO PRO
BACKGROUND
The primary issue at hand is the challenge faced by students who struggle with traditional academic reading methods. Students find it difficult to keep up with the volume of reading assignments, comprehend dense texts, and retain the information they've read. Despite their best efforts and genuine interest in the subject matter, they often fall behind and miss out on valuable class discussions and learning opportunities.
Studies have delved into the efficacy of different learning styles, the impact of technology on reading habits, and the role of educational support systems. However, there is a gap in research that focuses on holistic solutions tailored for students who face multiple challenges in academic reading.
By addressing these issues, the research aims to contribute to a future where academic success is not limited by one's ability to conform to traditional reading and learning methods. It seeks to open up new avenues for understanding and engaging with academic material, leveling the playing field for all students.
INSIGHTS FROM USER RESEARCH
Time-Efficiency and Overwhelm
.Students struggle to manage the volume of academic material they are expected to cover
.Time constraints exacerbate the issue, leading to incomplete readings and homework
.The issue affects students across different majors and courses, indicating it's a widespread problem
Need for Prioritization and Interactivity
. Students desire a more structured way to prioritize content from assigned readings
. A feature that could make the study process more efficient and targeted, would help students focus on the most important content.
Impact on Class Participation and Confidence
.Poor retention and comprehension of academic material directly affect students' ability to participate in class discussions
.Difficulty in understanding the material leads to reduced classroom engagement
.There is a cycle of reduced comprehension leading to lower participation, which in turn could affect grades and overall academic experience
User Persona & Journey Map
IDEATION
I wanted to design a web-based app that included charts and diagrams that summarized academic readings and other comprehension and retention tools. As a visual learner, I find that incorporating imagery enhances my understanding of academic concepts. This visual approach is often overlooked and I believe using visual tools during reading assignments can translate ideas, organize thoughts, and improve comprehension and retention. Another idea is language switching/vocabulary simplification. In dense academic readings with complex vocabulary, a tool that simplifies and provides examples in different contexts can effectively adjust reading levels for users. This personalization helps alleviate comprehension and retention challenges, especially for new concepts.
LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING
MID-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING
click here to use mid-fidelity prototype
INSIGHTS FROM USABILITY TESTING
From usability tests, I learned that my mid-fi prototypes, while initially practical-looking, had a complicated usage flow. Feedback highlighted issues like excessive back-button clicking and concerns about tool categorization. To address this, I redesigned the prototype, creating a home/menu page for easy navigation without predefined tool categories. I also improved usability by incorporating scrolling instead of buttons, saving space and enhancing the user experience. Additionally, I removed the notes section, considering diverse user note-taking methods and the app's focus on academic readings.
FINAL PROJECT PROTOTYPE
