Overview
Intelligent Life trains individuals and organizations in Natural Intelligence—a framework for improving lives and systems using nature’s principles. We built an interactive learning application to structure their curriculum and guide learners effectively.
My Role
Lead Product Designer
Timeline
65 days
Year
2023
Team
Project Sponsor, Project Manager, 2 Technical Leads, Front End Engineer, Back End Engineer & QA specialist
What the curriculum was like
Start with self assessment
Learners begin with a mapping exercise to assess their mindset before starting and track progress after each module.
Learn each module sequentially
The curriculum had 9 modules, each with 12 topics, progressing through Concept (audio-guided learning), Practice (hands-on exercises), and Application (evaluation)
Extended learning resources via library
Beyond the core curriculum, learners could purchase individual podcasts, articles, and courses to supplement their learning.
Challenge - 1
Supporting self-paced learning without losing the human touch
We had to craft a learning experience to replace Zoom sessions while maintaining effective guidance. As learners would move from instructor-led classes to using our application independently, we needed to find ways to provide the same level of support and handholding that had previously come from live educators.
Solution - 1
Learning Interface with a guided learning journey
We implemented shortcut cards for quick navigation, pre-topic instruction checklists for optimal learning preparation, topic repeat recommendations and an interactive roadmap showing the entire learning journey.
Process - 1
Functional wireframes - The blueprint
We extensively used balsamiq wireframes to iterate. The idea was to solve 80% of the functional problems at this stage. Also, we used the finalised wireframes to document the specifications so that the backend team could start preparing APIs way before the UI design kicked in.
Shipped in 120 days !
We delivered the learning platform without the mapping tool, ensuring the core learning experience was functional. The learning experience of 1 module was tested with 7 learners. All learners were able to complete topics without any guidance
This delivery also included a custom content management system to draft and upload learning content
Challenge - 2
Digitizing the mapping exercise
Mapping is an exercise used to map a persons existing state of mind. The original paper-based mapping tool lacked progress tracking and was overwhelming for learners. We needed to create an interactive version that retained its sophistication while improving usability.
Solution - 2
Interactive & trackable mapping tool
We developed the digital version of the mapping tool. The interface would prompt learners with questions and they would need to choose a word that best resonated with their state of mind.
Process - 2
Rapid prototyping
We prototyped and tested around 4-5 version of the tool to reach the final destination.
Designed & built in 30 days. Tested with 10 users.
We performed guerilla testing on 5 workshop attendees and 5 new users. 100% of all users were able to complete the exercise without guidance.
What I learned
This was my first time designing a one-of-a-kind learning application.
