Tree
Teach under the shade
Client
Academic
Year
2021
Category
Digital Experience Design
Type of Work
Design Research,
UX Design,
Documentation
Duration
15 Weeks
Problems are solved where innovation meets tangible solutions.
Tree, a comprehensive problem-solving research endeavor centered around the principles of 5S - Solving.
Distinct from a typical UX design project, the focus extends beyond interface aesthetics. This project revolves around creating a transformative and affective solution designed to address specific challenges. The ultimate goal is not just a sleek user experience but, crucially, the delivery of a robust research document and stakeholder validation, affirming the resolution of the identified problem.
Prologue
Amidst the challenges of COVID, the usual project processes fell short. While observing the dynamics within homes during this period, particularly focusing on my mother, a dedicated teacher, the profound challenges faced by educators became evident. The pandemic necessitated a rapid shift in our education systems towards novel teaching methods. However, the spotlight on the quality and implementation of these approaches raised questions about my preparedness as an individual, accustomed to traditional methods.
As I delved into the intricacies of this new-normal teaching landscape, I identified gaps, especially in the primary education of classes from 1st to 3rd standard that demanded innovative solutions. Thus, my project took shape—to alleviate the challenges faced by teachers, enhance efficiency, and elevate the overall quality of education in the era of new-normal teaching. My objective extends beyond navigating the immediate challenges of the pandemic to provide sustainable solutions that will continue to fortify education beyond the current crisis.
Recognitions
Outcome
This document serves as the culmination of the design project, meticulously crafted to seamlessly communicate both the outcome and the contextual intricacies. The following sections delineate the process undertaken, providing a comprehensive narrative that unveils the journey from inception to realization.
Process Overview
In this problem-solving initiative, I seek challenges by observing and situating real-world problems. The project involves framing identified issues, engaging with stakeholders, and developing solutions through an iterative process. We prioritize empathy in understanding user experiences and emotions related to the challenges. From ideation to prototyping, our goal is to communicate innovative solutions effectively. This project encapsulates a dynamic journey of problem discovery, creative development, and impactful communication.
01
Project Inception
The pandemic forced most of our education systems to adapt to new ways of Teaching. When the quality and implementation of newer methods are always in focus, it is questionable if the transition of Teachers who were practicing traditional teaching methods is enabled to such technology-demanding methods or not.
Hence, to look closer into new-normal teaching, to identify the gaps if there are any, and to contribute to the same to make the work-life easier for the teachers, which will unarguably reflect in the efficiency of teaching, quality of new-normal education and may sustain post-pandemic to aid education.
Starting with brainstorming on the possible directions
02
Situation
Understanding the context and situation of a problem is a critical initial step in problem-solving endeavor. To achieve this, we leverage the power of secondary research. By delving into existing literature, data, and insights, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges at hand. This approach not only informs our problem-framing process but also ensures that our solutions are rooted in a well-informed and contextual foundation.
Today, the education system is challenging. However, Dr. Kalam‘s vision and mission for the field of education could provide a solution for the removal of illiteracy in rural and urban India, upgrading education to enhance social and economic progress in our country.
Understand the vision and mission of the education system.
The processes involved in teaching.
Understanding the duties and responsibilities of a teacher
The way the education system adapts to new-normal, training, transition programs
From local authority's research (DIET Kannur, KSSP Kannur)
78.4 % of students face difficulties with online education
Only 87% get support from teachers
90% of the students are supported by mothers at home
33% of parents are unable to aid students in the education
12% of students refuse to attend classes despite having digital aids
Attitude towards education is worsened
Teachers reported the evaluation is getting difficult
Understanding 'Why and How WhatsApp' is becoming popular tool for education?'
03
Engaging
Engaging with potential users proved instrumental in uncovering nuanced perspectives and needs, enriching our understanding of the challenges they faced. This direct interaction not only honed the relevance of our solutions but also fostered a user-centered approach, ensuring that our design addresses real, context-specific concerns.
Differences in the methods of teaching in primary classes are understood with research.
Keyword stack after the interviews with different teachers on the problem towards the areas to focus
04
Observation
Observation, especially user observation, stands as a paramount research method, providing invaluable insights into authentic behaviors, preferences, and interactions, essential for crafting user-centric solutions and find unsaid crucial elements.
Closely observing the daily activities of a primary teacher, a vital stakeholder in the identified problem, provided profound insights into the intricacies of online teaching and the dynamics of adapting to the new normal in pandemic education.
Activities tracked and noted down of a first standard class of a rural Goverment School.
Insights from the research on the interaction, digital assets and media sent & received
-
Text replies, in most cases, are aimed at parents - to read out to students.
-
Audio replies/Image replies are for students to listen/see and understand - they respond directly to the teacher without parents typing it.
-
Video reply never tried - only video interaction is weekly once/twice online classes.
-
Feedback is in the group itself and helps others to understand and correct before making the same mistake.
-
Emojis add up the fun.
-
Keeping consistency in replies helps the interest and motivation.
-
Comparing a student's deliverables (for a month) is difficult/ a lot of manual work.
-
Tracking submissions is a need.
-
A medium of deliverable can also help the level of monitoring of the activity.
-
Video > Audio > Image > Text.
-
Some video submissions follow the images as well - both are evaluated.
05
Comparison
The role of competitive analysis in design is pivotal, offering a strategic lens to understand industry trends, user expectations, and emerging innovations. Their insights empower designers to position their creations effectively, ensuring that products not only meet but exceed market standards. Here I checked the existing options that are affordable.
Discussed the features and options it provided - "the description and the feature list itself appears scary".
Overwhelming - not for primary students
Visible learning curve
Evaluation is from PDF - Download and adds feedback as text - not so convenient way
Language support is appreciated.
Understanding existing media management clutter
The difficulty of managing media from the personal and professional place on the phone
This particular app claims to help to organize WhatsApp media, but it is not helpful.
The Needs/Wants/Opportunity areas
06
Framing
Identifying the stakeholders, defining persona and HMWs (How Might We.....?)
Focus on the teacher and parent - two major entities of primary digital education.
Teacher Persona
How might we assist teachers in managing the inflow of data such as receiving and managing deliverables, evaluation, feedback, etc., aiming to reduce their extra workload, hence focusing more on teaching?
Problem statement
Problem statement points to possibility of a platform with minimal learning curve that focuses on seamless interaction, evaluation and digital asset management
- an Edu-com platform!
07
Assimilation
Assimilating knowledge on teaching, particularly the evaluation process, through platforms like WhatsApp involves understanding the intricate dynamics of virtual education. Teachers leverage this instant messaging tool to facilitate timely communication, share learning resources, and provide real-time feedback to students. The assimilation process includes mastering the nuances of conducting assessments, delivering instructional content, and maintaining an interactive and engaging virtual classroom environment.
Inspecting the intriguing details of teaching
08
Compose & Iterate
Composing a digital solution and iterating through low to high-fidelity prototypes with user feedback in each iteration.
Iteration 01
Rapid Prototype that served initial user testing
High fidelity prototype that covers all user journeys
Prototype - how the major features received feedback from potential users
09
Learning
Learning in this problem-solving project encompassed a multifaceted approach. It began with astute analysis and observation of the situation, fostering a comprehensive understanding. The emphasis on perspective-building allowed for a nuanced exploration of problems from the user's vantage point. An unconventional approach to problem-solving involved initially addressing challenges without rigid boundaries, enabling creative exploration. As the process unfolded, defining boundaries became crucial for precision. The learning curve highlighted the importance of flexibility, adapting seamlessly to the evolving project dynamics.
10
Testimonials
“Comparing to existing options, like WhatsApp, addressing activities separately, the chat toggle to differentiate the different types of messages is 100% promising. I look forward to using it if available I might use this separately from WhatsApp, it can help me differentiate between school and personal space, and the media toggle and media summary are very positive and user-friendly to what is available in WhatsApp ”
Mrs. Sreeba Dinesh,
Teacher, Kerala State Board
“This app can let me cut off from lakhs of other messages and distractions when using WhatsApp, I might switch just for that”
Mrs. Manju,
Teacher, Kerala State Board
"Kudos for your work. Application-based work is the need of the hour, especially for developing countries. I really hope that you release the system as an open-source project so that others can also contribute; very inspiring work, keep going!"
Shivam Agarwal,
@HCI India 2021