Background

Introduction

In a world where technology and education intersect, Edukoya stands out as a pioneer in enhancing the educational journey for African learners. Tasked with the mission to revitalize the homework experience, I embarked on a transformative project aimed at designing a friendly mascot and reimagining the user interface. This case study delves into the heart of my design process, where empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking converge to create an engaging and meaningful learning experience.

Phase 1: Creating "Tosin the Wise Owl"

Understanding the Landscape

Before sketching the first line or dreaming up characters, it was crucial to immerse myself in the existing Edukoya ecosystem. This exploration involved diving into user feedback, engaging with the vibrant community of learners, and dissecting competitor strategies. The insights gained painted a picture of a diverse audience craving a more engaging and relatable learning companion.

Screenshot of data discovered below

The Birth of a Mascot

The decision to introduce a mascot was not taken lightly. It was envisioned as a bridge connecting learners with the digital world of Edukoya, transforming mundane tasks into exciting adventures. The creation of Tosin the Wise Owl was a response to our young users’ desire for a guide who was not only wise but also approachable and culturally resonant.

Ideation brought our team's creativity to the forefront. Through dynamic brainstorming sessions, we explored a myriad of concepts, each sketch and discussion paving the way for Tosin the Wise Owl's character and the engaging new homework interface.

Mascot as a Learning Companion

The decision to introduce a mascot was driven by a vision to create more than just a character — Tosin the Wise Owl was to be a companion and guide for learners. This character would serve as the face of Edukoya, embodying its values and spirit, making the digital platform feel more personalized and approachable.

Collaborative Design Workshops

The creation of Tosin was a collaborative endeavor. Through a series of design workshops, the team and I explored various concepts. We sketched dozens of mascots, from scholarly lions to inventive giraffes, but it was the wise owl that resonated most, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom.

Character Development

Tosin’s design evolved through iterations of sketches and digital renderings. Each element, from his vibrant plumage to the African cap he wears, was meticulously chosen to resonate with our young audience while reflecting Edukoya’s brand identity.

Phase 2: Reinventing the Homework Interface

Research-Driven Insights

The interface redesign began with an empathetic approach, where understanding the learners' daily experiences was key. This phase involved extensive user research, including contextual inquiries and diary studies, to capture the real challenges and needs of the students.

Innovative Ideation Sessions

Armed with rich insights, the ideation phase was a dynamic brainstorming session where creativity flourished. We envisioned a range of interactive features (with the use of HMWs), such as gamified learning paths and adaptive challenges, that could transform homework from a chore into an engaging activity.

it would be impossible to design for each idea so I decided to prioritize ideas with the team based on business goals and resources at the time.

In this case, I used the RICE model to measure Reach, Impact, Confidence and Effort required for the solution. We ended up going with about 7 solution ideas out of the many I had generated. Here’s a graph of how I measured and selected solutions;

Integrating the Mascot into User Interactions

Tosin was designed to be more than just a mascot; he was an integral part of the learning experience. We implemented interactive touchpoints where Tosin would offer hints, celebrate achievements, and provide encouragement, adding a layer of interaction that brought the learning content to life.

Prototyping and User Testing

Every concept went through rigorous prototyping, using tools like Figma and Adobe XD to create interactive mockups. These prototypes were then tested with a group of users whose feedback was crucial in refining and validating the designs.

Demo link here.

Conclusion

Outcome:

The project successfully introduced Tosin the Wise Owl, who quickly became a beloved part of the Edukoya community. The redesigned homework interface led to increased user engagement, improved satisfaction, and enhanced educational outcomes. Continuous monitoring and iterative improvements post-launch have ensured that the interface remains effective and user-friendly.

Impact:

The redesign has not only improved the usability and appeal of the Edukoya platform but has also significantly enriched the educational experience, making learning more interactive, supportive, and fun for students.