Client Overview
disruptED is an EdTech mobile start-up creating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) educational tools for early childhood development.
The Problem
disruptED’s current coloring app doesn’t provide ways for their users to store their creations for safekeeping. In addition, the user interface had a few shortcomings that created a confusing experience. The Coloring Book was not easily accessible to kids, which can be limiting for the wide audience this app is intended for.
Current disruptED app:
Research
Competitive Analysis
User Interviews
6 children (Pre-K through 3rd grade):
- 2 general education students
- 4 special education students - physical, developmental, & behavioral
4 educators:
- 2 educators trained in early childhood special education
- 2 instructors experienced in working with children
3 sets of parents with children; 2 of which have children with special needs
Current State Usability Test Results
Contextual Inquiry @ The Thinkery
"Kids want to try different things" -Briseda, Early Childhood Educator
Having multiple "stations" are good for when children:
- Want to interact freely
- Want to try different things
- Don't have long attention spans
- Get frustrated with what they are doing
- Don't pay much attention
Affinity Map
Key Takeaways
- Buttons are missing text labels
- Kids wanted more coloring options: eraser, markers, pencils, etc.
- Navigation confusion - kids want a screen where they can see all options upfront
- Concentration - Stations for kids’ attention span
- Improving Engagement
- Music = Sensory Experience
- Personality/Ownership
Personas
Primary Persona
Seconday Persona
User Journey Map (To-Be)
Wireframing
During the sketching phase, there were several deliverables to keep in mind for design decisions:
- Pre-existing branding and style guide
- Pre-existing iconography
- Competitive Analysis results
Branding/Style Guide
Prototype
Check out our wireframe prototype here!
Usability Test Results
Key Findings
- Users enjoyed having multiple "fun stations" to visit at their own pace
- Users enjoyed listening to upbeat music while playing with the app
- Users easily understood the buttons (text + icon) for going to the last/next pages, back to stations, and recenter
- Users did not understand what "Gallery" meant and what the icon stood for
- Users showed excitement and accomplishment when completing levels
Iterated Designs
SPED-Friendly Design
Hi-Fi Mockup
Prototype in Action
Watch it here!
Next Steps
- Add subtraction level for Level 4 option
- Remove color cubes from spacesuit and conduct usability tests
- Incorporate upbeat music to coloring app and games
- Game Station:
- Look into creating a Build-a-Robot game
- Storybook:
- Update button text “Repeat” to “Replay”
- Move pup to the side of the shape being drawn
- Subscription model keeps children excited - Mix packs/sets are good and fun
Retrospective
My partner and I were very excited to collaborate with disruptED to enhance the existing app for both conventional learners and those with learning differences. In addition, gamifying the app combines an educational component to the fun and immersive experience.
What went well:
- Extensive user research, expert interviews, and usability testing
- In-depth competitive analysis
- Collaborating with graphic designer to generate hi-fi mockups quickly from wireframes
What can be improved:
- If the project timeline was more than 2 weeks, I would collaborate with the development team to understand their technological capabilities. This would help with design decisions and iterations by knowing their constraints as well.
- There were several users and experts we wanted to interview with but they were available past the project due date. With a longer timeframe, we could've incorporated their feedback.
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