SkillUp Platform
A service for online learning open to everyone interested in either studying or teaching
Years
2023-2024
Role
Owner/Head of Design
Scope
Product Strategy, UI/UX/CX, Prototyping, Design system
A platform for online learning open to everyone interested in either learning or teaching. Any user can become a teacher without waiting for resume reviews or diploma verifications.
The Main Idea
I was called at the product idea stage, when there was nothing yet. My task was to check the users’ needs for the product and understand what steps are needed to implement it.
My Role
Before investing all our resources in development, we need to determine if there's a chance of survival for our product. Here’s how I did it.
What if we create a tool that encompasses essential functions for teachers and mentors across all fields, and also serves as a validation of their skills and status, similar to how Behance does for designers?
The Birth of the Idea
To find the best solutions and provide a creative and straightforward way to address this issue, I will use design thinking — a process based on user-centric solutions. The process is divided into six stages: empathy, define, ideation, prototype, test, and implementation.
The Process
Stage #1. Empathize
To begin with, let's research all the current market studies and review the opinions of major companies.
Market Analysis
Then, I conducted a competitive analysis, that identified the key advantages and growth points of the product, as well as ideas and patterns to utilize when creating mockups.
Competitors Analysis
…in the international market, there are many major players. after analysis, we were able to identify several potential growth points and formulate initial hypotheses.
We need more information! let's reach out to potential users.
In-depth Interviews
In the beginning, I prepared briefs where I outlined the main research goals, preliminary hypotheses, lists of relevant questions, and the target audience (TA).
Briefs and Preparation
I crafted an outreach template to find participants for in-depth interviews, categorizing the search into two groups: teachers and students. I messaged directly on Instagram, in relevant groups, and used specialized services occasionally to locate respondents.
Search for Respondents
Message Template for Invitation
Recipient, hello!
My name is Michael, and I'm a product designer. Currently, I'm conducting a small research on the process of organizing online events for my startup — a platform for hosting online events and online learning.
Access to the interview materials will be strictly confidential.
Could you please let me know if you're available to share your experience with me through an in-depth interview via Zoom? It will take about an hour of your time. I will ask engaging questions, and you can answer based on your experience. We can arrange a date and time that suits you best.
Looking forward to your response!
Best regards,
Michael
Michael
I was able to conduct approximately 3 interviews per day, with an average interview duration of about an hour. This timeframe allowed me to establish rapport with the user and ask all necessary questions. During the interviews, I documented the key insights. After each interview, I promptly reviewed and documented all findings in a note-taking tool for future reference.
Conducting Interviews
As a result of all the interviews, I was able to identify the main patterns of user behavior and growth points, as well as the key pain points.
For respondents who were willing to participate but couldn't find the time for a Zoom call, I offered them the option to complete an online survey in Google Forms. There, I rephrased the main questions to allow them to provide self-guided responses.
Additional survey
Stage #2. Define
Now, let's structure the information for productive ideation and solutions
Analyzing and Sorting Existing Data
To immerse ourselves in the experiences of our respondents to the fullest, we're building a CJM based on personas.
Customer Journey Map
Through the CJMs, I was able to uncover numerous minor problems and growth points, enabling a focused approach to address them. It also helped me understand which features are crucial for our service, ensuring a seamless transition for users from other competing platforms without disrupting their accustomed user patterns.
Also fill out the Lean Canvas to ensure the competitiveness and profitability of the business.
Lean StartUp
Stage #3. Ideate
Based on all the information collected, my team and I conducted brainstorms to come up with the main functionality, as well as killer features.
Brainshtorming
Afterwards, we divided all the ideas into different development stages: MVP, MVP2 and MVP3.
To create the information architecture for the course and one-time event, we used a card sorting method. Without it, it would be quite difficult to organize and evaluate all the functionality that a teacher, as well as a student, needs.
Card Sorting
…done, so far everything works in theory. Now we can start designing the service.
Stage #4. Prototype
Before starting the prototyping phase, I carefully thought through the high-level flow and courses structure of the service.
User Flow
The most exciting phase began – creating wireframes for testing and understanding how the main customer flows would look. During this stage, we brought in an additional designer under my guidance to assemble the prototypes, which significantly expedited our progress.
Wireframes
…a total of 140+ screens were designed.
Stage #5. Design
Well, it's time to finally do a little bit of designing! I developed a brand and shaped the visual concept of the service.
Brand Identity
I created a design system for multiple products on different platforms. It ensures consistency and ease of collaboration with various designers and marketers.
Design system
Since the service was designed primarily for the desktop version, all layouts were adapted for breakpoints.
Breakpoints
Results
A huge amount of work was done on cutting and developing layouts.
The service is currently under development. I'm in charge of handing over layouts to developers and doing design reviews. We are constantly in close contact. As soon as the first MVP version is released, I will be able to share the first results.
The service is currently under development. I'm in charge of handing over layouts to developers and doing design reviews. We are constantly in close contact. As soon as the first MVP version is released, I will be able to share the first results.
You can see what layouts look like for the flow of creating a one-time event. And try the prototype in action.
Try it in action
See how layouts look like
Example of layouts that is ready to developing
The flow to create a one-time event
© 2024 All Right Reserved. Believe me, this is very serious.
Made with love by myself