July-August 2024
Background
Professionals must constantly adapt to rapidly changing technology to advance their careers, which can be overwhelming. This study explored effective methods for teaching professionals new technical skills to improve their comfort and proficiency with emerging advancements.
Problem
We found that educating seasoned, ambitious professionals by creating a comfortable learning experience would help them acquire new technical skills that will help them keep up with the relentless pace of technological advancements.
Solution
Our app TechEase aimed to equip users with the skills and confidence to use technical tools like Figma effectively. By providing a practical, hands-on learning experience, the platform aimed to enable users to master essential skills and integrate them into their workflows, helping them stay competitive in their roles.
TEAM
Team of 4
Role
Lead Designer
Tools
Figma,
FigJam,
Trello,
Google Forms
Overview
Process
Level 1
Empathize
For the empathize step of the UX design process, research findings revealed that:
Users tend to prefer simple, user-friendly applications with clear instructions and minimal changes to the interface over time. These users often work under tight deadlines, leaving limited time to learn new software. Additionally, they appreciate diverse learning styles tailored to the topic at hand.
Many of the surveyed individuals noted that their work is highly time-sensitive, with fluctuating demands depending on the season. The survey results also highlight varying comfort levels with learning new software, with most participants (42.9%) rating their comfort level at 4 out of 5, while only a few rated it lower.
The surveyed age groups ranged broadly, with representation across categories, including under 30, 30-40, 40-50, and over 50, indicating the need for a versatile design that accommodates different user demographics.
Level 2
Define
Richard, a 58-year-old finance manager, represents busy professionals who value learning but struggle to adapt to new software under tight deadlines and limited resources. Like many surveyed users, he prefers intuitive, user-friendly tools that simplify learning and fit into his demanding schedule.
Professionals like Richard need a tech training app that accommodates diverse learning styles, provides clear, accessible guidance, and enables efficient skill-building without adding to their workload.
Level 3
Ideate
As a team, we brainstormed solutions to address the key pains and gains identified in our user research and value proposition. To help users like Richard overcome the challenges of learning new software amidst busy schedules, we proposed the following features:
Personalized Learning Modules: Modular, customizable content tailored to individual learning styles, time constraints, and professional goals.
Gamified Learning Experience: Narrative-based modules designed to keep users motivated and engaged while building new skills.
Community Support: A live forum and networking opportunities with industry professionals and peers to share insights, ask questions, and gain constructive feedback.
Real-Time Expert Assistance: Access to one-on-one coaching sessions with industry professionals to ensure users receive timely and relevant guidance.
Integrated Scheduling Tools: A calendar feature allowing users to plan their learning sessions and seamlessly integrate skill development into their schedules.
Level 4
Prototype
We focused on creating a user-friendly, interactive app experience by making sure the prototype prioritized three key features:
Finding Modules: Users could easily browse and select personalized learning modules tailored to their interests, skill levels, and schedules. The interface was designed to streamline navigation, ensuring that users could quickly find relevant content without feeling overwhelmed.
Booking 1:1 Sessions: A booking system allowed users to schedule one-on-one sessions with industry professionals. Using the in-app calendar, users could match their availability with expert schedules, making the process seamless and efficient.
Attending Sessions: The app integrated a feature to attend virtual 1:1 sessions directly within the platform. These sessions provided real-time guidance, feedback, and tailored support, ensuring users felt confident in their learning journey.
Our prototype reflected the core needs identified during the ideation phase: reducing complexity, increasing accessibility, and respecting users' limited time. It incorporated intuitive design elements, including clear navigation, personalized recommendations, and tools for scheduling and live interaction, ensuring users like Richard could effectively build their skills and achieve their goals.
View Low-Fi Wireframes
View Low-Fi Prototype
View Hi-Fi Wireframes
View Hi-Fi Prototype
Level 5
Test
Our guerrilla testing of our paper prototype identified key user experience enhancements, crucial for our target users—professionals needing to adapt to rapidly changing technology:
Social Sign-In Options: Reduces friction during onboarding, catering to users who prefer quick, effortless access.
Clear Page Indicators: Improves navigation, easing the learning process for users adapting to new tools.
Video Number Visibility: Helps users track progress, reducing overwhelm by clarifying their position in the learning module.
"Next" Button Instead of "Confirm": Creates a smoother flow, reducing decision fatigue in a fast-paced learning environment.
"Join Session" Button Post-Booking: Provides clear, actionable steps, enhancing confidence and minimizing confusion.
These updates aim to make learning emerging tech skills more intuitive, helping users feel more comfortable and proficient with the app.
Reflection
User Research and Testing
Thorough user research and synthesis are important for user-centric solutions. Initial assumptions may be wrong, and real-world testing uncovers practical issues. Feedback should come from true target users, and effective surveys and interviews are crucial for meaningful data.
Prototype Review and Iteration
More time on prototype reviews helps uncover issues early. Observing user interactions identifies problems and improves the experience. Continuous testing, feedback, and iteration are crucial, and thorough reviews can resolve many issues. Watching users provides valuable insights.
Teamwork and Time Management
Effective teamwork and time management, supported by regular meetings and internal deadlines, were crucial. Time constraints were managed through planning and project passion. Extra time would have enabled the addition of gamified features.
