SCROLL
EduGuide
UI / UX | User Research | User Testing | Prototyping | 2023 | 15 weeks
In an era where the landscape of education is constantly evolving, choosing a university major is becoming more complex. Today, students have to consider factors such as the rapid emergence of new subjects, diverse career paths, and global education opportunities. I am developing AI software to simplify this process, guiding and navigating students to find courses that match their aspirations, interests, and career goals.
Project info
Product goal
To make choosing a university major easier and more appealing for students.
Business goal
This app helps universities, educational advisors, and career counselors increase student enrollment in suitable majors, improve student success, and offer better advisory services.
Problem
How can we help students pick the right major that matches their interests, strengths, and career plans?
Process
We started by researching to understand what students need and the problems they face in choosing a major. We used this information to create user profiles and scenarios. These helped us design the app and make improvements based on testing and feedback.
Solution
What if we made a system that's easy to use and helps students figure out their best options for a university major?
AI assistance for a simpler selection of your major.
AI assistance for a simpler selection of your major.
AI assistance for a simpler selection of your major.
AI assistance for a simpler selection of your major.
Explore
Profile
Ask AI
Let me help you find your ideal major...
Hey, Viktoria!
Tuesday, April 16
History
How can I help you?
Enter your interests, your career goal, a school, a location, discuss ideas and much more...
Ask me something...
I am interested in game design.
I would like to talk to a graphic design student at Academy of Art.
I want to take a quiz, can you help me with that?
I am interested in game design.
You
Education Guide
Ask me something...
What are some essential skills and topics in game design?
Where can I study game design in California?
What are some career opportunities in this field.
How can I help you?
Check out the prototype!
Talks with the student
The Process
Let's explore the various stages of the project, from the initial concept to the final outcome.
EMPATHIZE
Understand user’s needs through research.
DEFINE
Problem statement based on user insights.
DESIGN
The creation of visual designs, including tests improving
the system.
THE CAMPAIGN
The final design system of the campaign.
Perfecting the way you find your major
This project tackles the lack of awareness and information about university majors, making it hard for students to choose the right path. The main challenge is helping students find majors that match their interests and career goals. The app solves this by providing personalized advice, clear information, and easy-to-use tools, making it simpler to make smart decisions for a successful future.
2023
Lead Designer
The Process
Let's explore the various stages of the project, from the initial concept to the final outcome.
2023
Lead Designer
Emphasize
Understand user’s needs through research.
Define
Problem statement based on user insights.
Design
The creation of visual designs, including tests improving
Result
The final design system of the campaign.
"I have to enjoy my studies to be able to learn something, but it can be hard to know if there are any majors that matches my passions."
02/28-23, Sara Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
"I have to enjoy my studies to be able to learn something, but it can be hard to know if there are any majors that matches my passions."
02/28-23, Sara Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
"I have to enjoy my studies to be able to learn something, but it can be hard to know if there are any majors that matches my passions."
02/28-23, Sara Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
Perfecting the way you find your major
This project tackles the lack of awareness and information about university majors, making it hard for students to choose the right path. The main challenge is helping students find majors that match their interests and career goals. The app solves this by providing personalized advice, clear information, and easy-to-use tools, making it simpler to make smart decisions for a successful future.
2023
Lead Designer
"I think a tool like this would be super helpful, because a lot of people are unaware of all the study options that exists."
02/28-23, Simon Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
"I think a tool like this would be super helpful, because a lot of people are unaware of all the study options that exists."
02/28-23, Simon Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
"I have to enjoy my studies to be able to learn something, but it can be hard to know if there are any majors that matches my passions."
02/28-23, Sara Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
"I'd use a tool like this to get some perspectives and ideas on study options, but I wouldn’t trust it 100%.."
03/03-23, Alex Harris,
Fashion Marketing student at Academy of Art, San Francisco
Research
"I'd use a tool like this to get some perspectives and ideas on study options, but I wouldn’t trust it 100%.."
03/03-23, Alex Harris,
Fashion Marketing student at Academy of Art, San Francisco
Research
Key Areas to Understand
What factors influence the selection of major?
How does influences and preconcieved ideas affect student’s choice of school and major?
Does ratings affect students choice of school and major?
How does the admission criteria affect student’s choice of school and major?
How does employments opportunities affect student’s choice of school and major?
Challenges
What challenges did you face when selecting your major or field of study?
What specific problems or needs do you hope this AI software will address for you or other students?
Tools
Have you ever used any tools or services to help choose an academic major or field of study? If yes, what were they and what was your experience like?
Have you ever used an AI-based tool? For what?
Factors
What factors are most important to you when considering a major or field of study? And how do you weigh these factors in making your decision?
The App
How would you like the software to present information or suggestions to you?
Are there any additional features or services you wish this AI tool could provide that would assist you in your academic and career journey?
Key Areas to understand
What factors influence the selection of major?
How does influences and preconcieved ideas affect student’s choice of school and major?
Does ratings affect students choice of school and major?
How does the admission criteria affect student’s choice of school and major?
How does employments opportunities affect student’s choice of school and major?
What factors influence the selection of major?
How does influences and preconcieved ideas affect student’s choice of school and major?
Does ratings affect students choice of school and major?
How does the admission criteria affect student’s choice of school and major?
How does employments opportunities affect student’s choice of school and major?
What factors influence the selection of major?
How does influences and preconcieved ideas affect student’s choice of school and major?
Does ratings affect students choice of school and major?
How does the admission criteria affect student’s choice of school and major?
How does employments opportunities affect student’s choice of school and major?
User Interview Documentation
User Interview Documentation
Challenges
What challenges did you face when selecting your major or field of study?
What specific problems or needs do you hope this AI software will address for you or other students?
Tools
Have you ever used any tools or services to help choose an academic major or field of study? If yes, what were they and what was your experience like?
Have you ever used an AI-based tool? For what?
Factors
What factors are most important to you when considering a major or field of study? And how do you weigh these factors in making your decision?
The App
How would you like the software to present information or suggestions to you?
Are there any additional features or services you wish this AI tool could provide that would assist you in your academic and career journey?
Affintiy Map
User Interview Documentation
User Interview Documentation
Practices They Do
Googling.
Discussing with friends and family.
Quizzes.
University websites.
Visit schools.
Facebook groups.
Pain Points
Salary uncertainty.
Lack of information.
Future uncertainty.
Combine what I want and what is available.
Potential in that field?
The difference between studying and working?
User Needs
Clear views of day-to-day work.
Info about postgraduation, for example masters.
Future careers.
Difference between school and real world assignments.
What the information means in practice.
How I need to prepare for those studies.
Suggestions
Showing internships availability in specific fields.
Talking to alumni and current students.
Suggestions from professional in the field.
Estimated timelines for achieving my goals.
Information about fields according to interests.
Videos about daily tasks.
Thoughts on AI?
Young adults are increasingly interacting with AI in their daily activities, from using customer service chatbots to receiving personalized product recommendations online. A Pew Research Center study found that 27% of Americans interact with AI multiple times a day, and 28% engage with it at least once daily or several times a week. However, the trust for AI is not 100%.
"I'd use a tool like this to get some perspectives and ideas on study options, but I wouldn’t trust it 100%.."
03/03-23, Alex Harris,
Fashion Marketing student at Academy of Art, San Francisco
"I think a tool like this would be super helpful, because a lot of people are unaware of all the study options that exists."
02/28-23, Simon Henning,
Business Student, Virginia State University
Affinity Map
Problem
As a user, I want to explore different university majors and plan my academic journey without needing to switch between multiple platforms.
As a user, I often lack the time or motivation to thoroughly research all available study options and career paths.
As a user, I want detailed insights about academic programs and universities, including their strengths, career prospects, and unique features, before making my decision.
As a user, I want to explore different university majors and plan my academic journey without needing to switch between multiple platforms.
As a user, I often lack the time or motivation to thoroughly research all available study options and career paths.
As a user, I want detailed insights about academic programs and universities, including their strengths, career prospects, and unique features, before making my decision.
The Problem
As a user, I want a convenient and straightforward way to recycle my cans.
2023
Lead Designer
50% of participants found it hard to choose a major. The top 5 reasons are:
Will I enjoy this in the future?
Lack of information.
The studies seemed fun.
Salary uncertainty (my major won’t pay enough).
Enough potential in that field?
47%
62%
66%
86%
90%
Link to my questionnaire Link to results
Practices They Do
Googling.
Discussing with friends and family.
Quizzes.
University websites.
Visit schools.
Facebook groups.
Pain Points
Salary uncertainty.
Lack of information.
Future uncertainty.
Combine what I want and what is available.
Potential in that field?
The difference between studying and working?
User Needs
Clear views of day-to-day work.
Info about postgraduation, for example masters.
Future careers.
Difference between school and real world assignments.
What the information means in practice.
How I need to prepare for those studies.
Suggestions
Showing internships availability in specific fields.
Talking to alumni and current students.
Suggestions from professional in the field.
Estimated timelines for achieving my goals.
Information about fields according to interests.
Videos about daily tasks.
Learnings based on research
Most people are aware that the lack of recycling is a huge problem in our society, considering the environmental impact and the potential for resource conservation. However, we don’t do it. Why?
Study conducted: Spring 2023, 20 participants
2023
Lead Designer
How might we?
How might we simplify the finding of a major that matches the user's interests?
How might we help the user to find information about schools?
How might we help the user to connect with other students?
2023
Lead Designer
Combine needs with options
Participants want to be able to research all kind of information about schools and majors.
Future
Participants want to know what happens after graduation, both regarding additional study options (master), but also the potential in the chosen field.
Previous/current students
Participants want insights from students who already have chosen a study path.
Salary
Participants want to know about salary prospects.
How to prepare
Participants want to know how to prepare for their chosen field.
AI
It’s important for participants that the information provided is truthful.
Combine needs with options
Participants want to be able to research all kind of information about schools and majors.
Future
Participants want to know what happens after graduation, both regarding additional study options (master), but also the potential in the chosen field.
Previous/current students
Participants want insights from students who already have chosen a study path.
Salary
Participants want to know about salary prospects.
How to prepare
Participants want to know how to prepare for their chosen field.
AI
It’s important for participants that the information provided is truthful.
Defining the user
The target audience for this app includes future college students and those considering further education. They value personalized guidance and want to align their education and career goals with their interests, their strengths, and market opportunities. The app aims to support users in making informed decisions for a successful future. It is ideal for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate the convenience and insights offered by AI-driven tools.
2023
Lead Designer
Defining the user
The target audience for this app includes future college students and those considering further education. They value personalized guidance and want to align their education and career goals with their interests, their strengths, and market opportunities. The app aims to support users in making informed decisions for a successful future. It is ideal for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate the convenience and insights offered by AI-driven tools.
The target audience for this app includes future college students and those considering further education. They value personalized guidance and want to align their education and career goals with their interests, their strengths, and market opportunities. The app aims to support users in making informed decisions for a successful future. It is ideal for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate the convenience and insights offered by AI-driven tools.
Resource Article: Why students are struggling to find study spots
"I wish matching my interests to the right major and school was simpler. One place with all the info would clarify things.”
"I wish matching my interests to the right major and school was simpler. One place with all the info would clarify things.”
"I wish matching my interests to the right major and school was simpler. One place with all the info would clarify things.”
Alex
The Information Seeker
Alex
The Information Seeker
Motivation
60% Career/Salary
60%
Career/Salary
100% Personal interest
90% Future enjoyment
90%
Future enjoyment
90% Academic strength
90%
Academic strength
Personality
Prefers a simple way to match interests with the right majors and schools. Wants one place to find all the key info needed to choose the right major.
Goals
To select a major that's in line with his interests and career goals.
Frustrations
Struggles with finding easily understandable details on majors and and future job opportunities.
EMPATHIZE
Understand user’s needs through research.
DEFINE
Problem statement based on user insights.
DESIGN
The creation of visual designs, including tests improving
the system.
THE CAMPAIGN
The final design system of the campaign.
Wireframes and components
With all the research and information I gathered, it was time to start designing the app's key features, like the AI search engine and information pages. I thought about different situations users might be in while using the app—whether they’re quickly checking options on a break, looking up majors while on the go, or thinking about their skills at home—to make sure the app is easy to use anytime, anywhere.
Initial explorations
Feedback from user
During the design process, I consistently conducted user testing to gather feedback and observe user interactions with the product. In summary, most of the feedback had to do with time and convenience.
Logo
The logo represents what my brand is all about - education.
Typography
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Outfit Bold
Outfit Medium
Outfit Regular
Outfit Light
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
Color Palette
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and ease.
How might we?
How might we?
How might we simplify the finding of a major that matches the user's interests?
How might we help the user to find information about schools?
How might we help the user to connect with other students?
2023
Lead Designer
Component Library
Let's look at the different components of the brand!
2023
Lead Designer
Logo
The logo represents what my brand is all about - education.
Typography
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Outfit Bold
Outfit Medium
Outfit Regular
Outfit Light
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
Color Palette
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and ease.
Component Library
Let's look at the different components of the brand!
2023
Lead Designer
Logo
The logo represents what my brand is all about - education.
Typography
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Outfit Bold
Outfit Medium
Outfit Regular
Outfit Light
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
Color Palette
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and ease.
Final Design
Find a major matching your interests
Home
Enter your interests in the search engine
Browse through options
Browses through options
Explore options
Home
Press explore
Browse through options
Talk to a student
Find a major matching your interests
Home
Request the search engine to connect you with a student
Enter your interests in the search engine
Browses through options
Takeaways
When creating this app for choosing a major, I focused on making it easy to use. The app's design is simple, helping users quickly find what they need. It uses clear visuals to make complex information easy to understand, which saves time. Because people have a hard time trusting AI, I realized that it was important to implement real human sources, such as the calls with students, teachers etc. This makes the experience more trustworthy.
2023
Lead Designer
Next project
YouCan - no more cans in the normal bin.
SCROLL
SCROLL
EduGuide
UI / UX | User Research | User Testing | Prototyping | 2023 | 15 weeks
In an era where the landscape of education is constantly evolving, choosing a university major is becoming more complex. Today, students have to consider factors such as the rapid emergence of new subjects, diverse career paths, and global education opportunities. I am developing AI software to simplify this process, guiding and navigating students to find courses that match their aspirations, interests, and career goals.
Project info
Product goal
To make choosing a university major easier and more appealing for students.
Business goal
This app helps universities, educational advisors, and career counselors increase student enrollment in suitable majors, improve student success, and offer better advisory services.
Problem
How can we help students pick the right major that matches their interests, strengths, and career plans?
Process
We started by researching to understand what students need and the problems they face in choosing a major. We used this information to create user profiles and scenarios. These helped us design the app and make improvements based on testing and feedback.
Solution
What if we made a system that's easy to use and helps students figure out their best options for a university major?
Logo
The logo represents what my brand is all about - education.
Typography
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Outfit Bold
Outfit Medium
Outfit Regular
Outfit Light
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
Color Palette
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and ease.
Component Library
Let's look at the different components of the brand!
2023
Lead Designer
Learnings based on research
Urban and tech-savvy students aged 18-30, primarily undergraduates and graduates, seek cost-effective and efficient study solutions. They value convenience, utilize digital tools for information and networking, and are keen on innovative approaches to meet their social and study needs.
Resource Article: Why students are struggling to find study spots
2023
Lead Designer
Alex
The Information Seeker
Motivation
Efficiency
Time
Freedom
Money Growth
"I wish matching my interests to the right major and school was simpler. One place with all the info would clarify things.”
Personality
Prefers a simple way to match interests with the right majors and schools. Wants one place to find all the key info needed to choose the right major.
Frustrations
Struggles with finding easily understandable details on majors and and future job opportunities.
Goals
To select a major that's in line with his interests and career goals.
Wireframes
With all the research and info I gathered, it was time to start designing the app's crucial parts, like the main recycling info section and the community page. I thought about the different situations users might be in when using the app, whether they're in a hurry, on the bus, studying, or just relaxing at home, to make sure the app's design works well for them in any scenario.
Initial explorations
Feedback from user
During the design process, I consistently conducted user testing to gather feedback and observe user interactions with the product. In summary, most of the feedback had to do with time and convenience. For example, to make the search function even more convenient and easily accessible, I realized it was better to move down the search bar so that it is easier to reach.
Feedback from user
During the design process, I consistently conducted user testing to gather feedback and observe user interactions with the product. In summary, most of the feedback had to do with time and convenience. For example, to make the search function even more convenient and easily accessible, I realized it was better to move down the search bar so that it is easier to reach.
Final Design
Takeaways
When creating this app for choosing a major, I focused on making it easy to use. The app's design is simple, helping users quickly find what they need. It uses clear visuals to make complex information easy to understand, which saves time. Because people have a hard time trusting AI, I realized that it was important to implement real human sources, such as the calls with students, teachers etc. This makes the experience more trustworthy.
2023
Lead Designer
What factors influenced your choice of major the most?
Personal interests.
Career prospects and earning potential.
The studies seemed fun.
Influence from family and friends.
Academic strengths.
52%
64%
66%
78%
78%
Link to my questionnaire Link to results
The Process
Let's explore the various stages of the project, from the initial concept to the final outcome.
2023
Lead Designer