Coursalysis
Case study and design
A user-friendly website that offers quick comparisons, personalised recommendations, and a gamified experience to help individuals navigate the overwhelming choices of online courses.
The
Challenge
The rise of online learning, particularly through MOOCs, has created a large number of courses. Despite high ratings, the sheer abundance makes it challenging for learners to choose the right one. This struggle often leads to information overload, delays in course selection, and ultimately, higher dropout rates as learners may not find courses aligning with their preferences quickly.
The
Goal
How might we streamline the online learning experience to help learners overcome information overload?
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This project aims to understand the challenges individuals encounter when choosing online courses from a variety of MOOCs. The goal is to understand the decision-making obstacles, analyse influencing factors, and ultimately develop a streamlined solution for more effective and easier course selection.
What I Did
UX / UI Designer
Researcher & Interviewer
Usability Testing
Branding
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My Tools
Figma
Photoshop
Illustrator​
Miro
Duration
Overall: 3 months
Discovery & Research: 2 months
Design & testing: 1 month
The
Process
Empathise
Define
Ideate
Prototyping
Testing
what people had to say
Empathise phase
To understand the decision-making challenges potential learners face when choosing an online course. I used both quantitative and qualitative methods for this phase. The study engaged a diverse group of participants, different age groups and including professionals and students pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees through online learning. I collected data through surveys (n = 27) and conducted insightful one-on-one interviews (n = 6).
"Picking a course is like being lost in a big store with too many choices. It's hard to know which one is best because they all seem different. It's confusing and a bit too much."
Individual interviews highlighted a common issue: the overwhelming challenge of "choice overload" when exploring numerous course websites. Participants faced difficulties in comparing course offerings and managing pricing complexities. One participant shared an unfortunate experience of realizing a course wasn't free after investing time and effort. The prevalent need for upfront disclosure of basic course details was evident.
"I wish for something akin to Skyscanner for MOOCs websites."
- Interviewee
- Interviewee
14 questions were asked in the online survey and distributed in the university campus and social media platforms. The results from the survey highlights the complications involved in choosing online courses. The data shows a considerable emphasis on comparison of course content, as well as the importance of user ratings and ease of navigation.
Online Survey
One - on - one interview
Laying a solid foundation
Define phase
The main objective during this phase was to thoroughly understand and comprehend the nature of the problem at present which has been found during the empathise phase with the help of literature review, surveys and interviews.
Problem Statement
“Providing potential learners with a more effective means of selecting MOOCs for online learning could result in better educational performance with a deeper, more holistic learning experience.”
Where was the
problem?
Pain points
1
Navigational Challenges
Many students stated that they had trouble navigating between various websites. They struggle to use the many platforms effectively.
3
Comparing Course
The process of comparing courses side by side left the user feeling overwhelmed, as the lack of a clear, straightforward method made it difficult to see the differences between the courses, ultimately complicating their decision-making process.
2
Course selection struggle
A significant number of respondents found it difficult to choose the proper course among the wide range of possibilities available. When attempting to choose the course that best suits their needs, they frequently encounter confusion.
4
Finding the Best Deals
A lot of students mentioned how difficult it was to get the best discounts or offers on online courses. Finding affordable choices can occasionally be a laborious and time-consuming process
Persona
Personas for the project were created using information from interviews and surveys. These personas served as hypothetical representations of the target market, improving understanding of their needs and the capacity to convey them clearly. I have created three unique characters. Taking advantage of these personalities helped in making design decisions that effectively addressed potential learner’s difficulties.
Starbusting
using the traditional ideation approach to produce possible solutions to the issues faced by prospective learners. This method helped me in coming up with an extensive number of viable problem-solving options. A range of potential concepts were created as a result of this method.
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Branding
After identifying the primary focal points, I set about creating a comprehensive website targeted to the different needs of prospective learners. This project included creating the brand identity, which included strategic colour schemes, typography, iconography, and the construction of a distinct logo, all precisely crafted to resonate with and suit the needs of the users.
Color
The colour palette for the website, which is largely blue, was chosen for its connection with adaptability and reliability, offering a dependable user focus. Red accents were also deliberately integrated to promote memory recall, boosting the absorption of critical educational material.
Typography
I chose The 'Outfit' font for its modern, crisp letterforms, which enable versatility and legibility across multiple text styles, improving interaction. Google's 'Roboto' font, identified for its professional and scalable design, optimises content organisation and accessibility across a wide range of screen sizes.
Logo
I divided the website's name, "Coursalysis," into two halves by smart colour selection. This strategy clearly integrates "course" and "analysis," thereby underlining the fusion character of the website's name. As a result of this design choice, users are naturally motivated to figure out the fusion of these two terms, enhancing the platform's identity and focusing on route analysis.
Information
Architecture
I made an information architecture to streamline my design decisions and prioritize elements essential for a positive shopping experience. This methodical approach allowed me to align the interface design with the user's needs and streamline their journey.
Lo-fi and mid-fi prototype
Prototype
My major goal as I began sketching was to create an interface that was based on intuitive design. I was inspired by current competitive websites. I moved on to mid-fidelity prototypes after completing the initial low-fidelity sketching. These were tested on users as formative testing to understand the necessary improvements for the website's early stages. The goal was to determine whether the website's features adequately addressed the concerns of potential learners.
Hi-fi prototype
prototype
After I refined the mid-fi prototype based on user feedback, a detailed hi-fi version closely mirroring the final product was developed. Summative testing, was done to review this version. Following insights from this testing phase, I modified final hi-fi prototype was made, blending design choices, user input, and iterative improvements.
View Figma prototype
Problem focus
I've loaded the website with functionalities that can help potential learners to to make their course selection process easy. I've added a search option to the home screen, allowing users to easily explore their desired courses, subject, and universities. To give a personalised feel, I've created sections for courses and blogs which are recommended according to user’s interests.
Problem focus
I've added filter and sorting options to enhance the user's ability to efficiently search and locate their desired courses. A "Compare" option is placed within each course listing, which allows users to make strategic decisions about which courses they choose to evaluate. After making their selections, customers may easily make a full comparison by clicking the "Compare Selected Courses" button.
Problem focus
The selected courses can be compared together with all their details and offers. which helps in making a precise decision for the users.
Problem focus
I've given a detailed course description area for user convenience. I've also added a review section where users can read reviews made by other students and give their own.
Problem focus
Users can access a historical record of their course progress over the previous months, which can provide vital insights into their learning experience. I've added a section where users can see the points they have collected till date by completing courses and view offers and deals applicable.
Formative
testing
testing
I carried out SUS and task and severity testing among the users who had taken part in the survey and one-on-one interview. The primary goal was to determine whether the website met their requirements and to make any necessary changes.
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Summative
testing
testing
After the completion of the website's hi-fi prototype phase, I carried out summative testing process, online and face-to-face to assess the level of progress made. I did the same same tests to ensure a thorough examination and to acquire important user input. This phase of testing was carried out by the same group of people who had previously participated in formative testing. This method enabled a direct comparison of the final scores received from formative and summative testing efforts.
Based on findings from talk-aloud sessions and survey answers, it was clear that users appreciated the idea of a course comparison website. They were very pleased with the platform's availability of personalised course recommendations. Furthermore, the introduction of gamification features to allow users to earn course-related offers was wellreceived. This gamification feature not only encouraged users to return to the website, but it also urged them to finish their courses