iNERDE Academy
Designing an online learning platform for a non-profitROLE
UX Researcher, UI Designer
UX Researcher, UI Designer
TOOLS
Figma, Miro, Notion
Figma, Miro, Notion
1
Create an online learning platform and revamp the branding for iNERDE, a non-profit empowering STEM students in Africa.
Like many educational institutions, iNERDE needed new ways to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to hold their after school and summer programs in-person, they pivoted to Google Classroom for remote learning, where they were disatisfied with the limited customization and interactivity.
They had the idea to create their own learning platform, centered around their curriculum and user needs. My team, consisting 3 other designers and a project lead, were tasked with creating a high-fidelity prototype to hand off to developers and exploring a refresh on their branding. iNERDE aspires to provide education and opportunities to students all around the African continent, so moving away from a third-party site would cut costs and strengthen their brand.
They had the idea to create their own learning platform, centered around their curriculum and user needs. My team, consisting 3 other designers and a project lead, were tasked with creating a high-fidelity prototype to hand off to developers and exploring a refresh on their branding. iNERDE aspires to provide education and opportunities to students all around the African continent, so moving away from a third-party site would cut costs and strengthen their brand.
2
Personas and Feature List
We started by meeting with the client, aligning on goals, ideas, and considerations. From these meetings, we identified our three types of users- students, teachers, and admins. We then discussed required features with the client, turning into user stories for each of the personas.
I worked on the administrator view, which I continued with for the rest of the project. This became a helpful reference point for keeping track of needs and how different users would interact with features.
I worked on the administrator view, which I continued with for the rest of the project. This became a helpful reference point for keeping track of needs and how different users would interact with features.
3
Market Analysis
Next, we looked into existing solutions in the online learning space, noting strengths, weaknesses, and points of inspiration.![]()
Market Analysis
Next, we looked into existing solutions in the online learning space, noting strengths, weaknesses, and points of inspiration.
4
User Surveys and Interviews
To ensure we had a firm understanding of our user base, we conducted research with students and teachers currently enrolled in the program, aiming to learn more about their experiences, needs, and habits regarding online learning. The iNERDE team also wanted their learning experience to feel fun, so we also asked the students about their interests and hobbies.
In total, we collected over 100 survey responses and conducted 5 virtual interviews.
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User Surveys and Interviews
To ensure we had a firm understanding of our user base, we conducted research with students and teachers currently enrolled in the program, aiming to learn more about their experiences, needs, and habits regarding online learning. The iNERDE team also wanted their learning experience to feel fun, so we also asked the students about their interests and hobbies.
In total, we collected over 100 survey responses and conducted 5 virtual interviews.
Findings
