Project Overview:
This project focused on enhancing the user interface of touch panel software utilized by professors at classroom instructor stations. In collaboration with Instructional Technology experts, our team aimed to improve the integration of classroom technology for faculty members. Conducted under a university initiative, the project was completed within a tight timeframe of one week.
The Problem:
While the existing touch panel software included essential functionalities, its lack of intuitive design significantly hindered user experience and effective classroom technology utilization. Outdated interface elements and complex navigation systems impeded professors’ ability to interact seamlessly with the technology. Our challenge was to address these design shortcomings while aligning our solutions with insights from Instructional Technology research.
Research Phase:
To identify pain points and usage patterns, we conducted in-depth interviews with professors and instructional technologists. Insights from these discussions informed a comprehensive review of the existing touch panel software, revealing critical usability issues and opportunities for improvement. This research led to the development of personas and user journeys to guide our design process.
Design Phase:
Wireframing and prototyping were essential in refining the layout and functionality of the touch panel software. We held iterative design sessions to explore various solutions, focusing on usability and intuitiveness. Collaboration with Instructional Technology ensured that our designs met user needs and system requirements. We also updated visual design elements to create a modern, cohesive user interface while adhering to accessibility standards.
Role Details:
Designer: Streamlined the sketch sequence, selected base screenshots, and made them accessible to the team.
Asset Collector: Identified required new assets, gathered them, and incorporated them into the appropriate screens.
Maker/Writer: Developed new graphics and added or replaced text directly on the slides.
QA: Ensured all necessary screens for the prototype were included, verified slide accuracy against sketches, checked spelling and grammar, maintained alignment and consistency, and added links for interactive elements.
Final Solution & Outcome:
The upgraded touch panel software now offers a vastly improved user experience, enhancing usability and efficiency for professors engaging with classroom technology. The intuitive interface design allows for seamless navigation and interaction, contributing to a more productive teaching environment. Feedback from professors has been overwhelmingly positive, signaling a successful outcome.
Conclusion:
Through our collaborative efforts with Instructional Technology, we achieved our goal of enhancing the user experience of the touch panel software. This project underscores the significance of user-centric design principles in improving classroom technology integration and facilitating effective teaching practices. It also highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving impactful outcomes for educational technology solutions.