SHERRYE ZHONG
LEARNING
So what now?
The iTeach platform was developed to enhance collaboration among educators by addressing challenges such as accessibility, time constraints, and the need for tailored support. To ensure the platform met user needs, we conducted extensive research, including surveys and user interviews, to identify common pain points and opportunities for improvement. Insights from this research guided the development of personalized feedback tools, curated resources, and intuitive navigation.
Throughout the iTeach project, we prioritized user-centered design, integrating features like Feedback Buddy and resource libraries based on educator feedback. This process deepened our understanding of iterative design, accessibility compliance, and effective user research, enabling us to create a cohesive platform aligned with MSU’s branding and educator goals.
THE FINAL
How did we solve the issues presented?
Following multiple iterations, we completed the iTeach design with an emphasis on maintaining fluid and consistent page navigation. We carefully fine-tuned transitions, implementing animations to create a smooth and uniform user experience.
Educators can easily access key resources directly from the iTeach Home page. By navigating to the Browse page, they can explore detailed groups, playlists, and articles tailored to their needs. To streamline their experience, the navigation is designed to be intuitive, allowing users to quickly find and engage with content, fostering consistency and ease of use.
Easing the Navigation
Educators can effortlessly provide and receive feedback using the centralized Feedback Buddy feature on iTeach. From the Home page, they can navigate to the feedback section to view, give, or request feedback on specific topics. The streamlined design ensures that engaging with peers is intuitive and efficient, promoting consistent collaboration and growth within the community.
Giving Feedback
IDEATION
How can we simplify the navigation for educators?
After gaining a clear understanding of the project's requirements, our team started creating low-fidelity wireframes through sketch, then mid-fidelity in Figma.
DESIGN SYSTEM
Crafting the visual identity
To ensure cohesion with MSU’s branding, the iTeach design incorporates the university’s typography and a similar color palette, enhanced with subtle gradients for a professional yet inviting feel. A key highlight is the custom illustration for the Thank an Educator page, featuring unique elements that symbolize collaboration and education.
YES
NO
43%
57%
Are the menu options intuitive and easy to navigate?
I think the web pages aren’t the best in terms of navigation. I think multiple pages have different sub-categories making it hard to find what next page to navigate.
– MSU Marketing Professor
YES
NO
71%
29%
Do you find yourself repeatedly visiting the same pages to locate relevant information?
I often have to revisit the same pages because the information I need isn’t organized intuitively or easily accessible from other parts of the website.
– MSU Integrative Studies TA
YES
NO
48%
52%
Do you feel the website aligns with its intended purpose?
The website feels cluttered, and it’s not fully clear how to find resources or connect with others, which makes it hard to understand its main purpose.
– MSU Faculty
RESEARCH
Why don’t educators engage more actively with the iTeach platform?
To address this question, we conducted surveys to gather insights. With responses from over 15 participants, we identified common pain points and user needs, helping us uncover the core of the problem.
CURRENT WEB
Communication on feed forums
The iTeach Feed is a collaborative forum where educators share insights, ask questions, and exchange feedback. Featuring threaded discussions, topic tags, and upvotes, it fosters a supportive community for enhancing teaching practices.
Searching for educational resources
The iTeach Browse page helps educators discover groups, connect with peers, and explore playlists, articles, and resources. It’s a central hub for finding tailored content and building connections to enhance teaching practices.
Thanking an educator or faculty
The iTeach Thank an Educator page provides a space to recognize and celebrate the contributions of fellow educators. Share messages of appreciation to highlight their impact and foster a culture of gratitude within the teaching community.
GOAL
Allow educators to make and communicate teaching decisions to develop necessary practices in order to enhance their teaching effectiveness.
When educators are evaluating how to improve or adapt their teaching methods, they need concise and accessible information to inform their decisions.
PROBLEM
Educators face challenges in their teaching strategies and feedback, resulting in missed opportunities for growth and improvements
Balancing the demands of teaching while striving for continuous improvement can be difficult for educators, often due to packed schedules, a lack of personalized feedback, and challenges in monitoring progress effectively.
Without accessible tools for structured support, educators may struggle to identify areas for growth, leading to frustration and missed opportunities. A centralized platform that provides meaningful insights, targeted feedback, and opportunities for collaboration could empower educators to enhance their teaching practices and achieve sustained development.
iTEACH MSU
Giving educators a centralized hub to connect with one another
OVERVIEW
The iTeach website serves as a central hub for educators and teaching faculty at Michigan State University, providing resources and tools to enhance teaching methods and foster collaboration among educators. However, the current user experience has presented challenges, limiting its effectiveness in supporting faculty development.
TEAMLINE
1 month (2024)
ROLE
Researcher
TOOLS
Figma, Adobe XD
TEAM
2 Graphic Designers
1 Product Designer