Tutor Finder
An application designed and crafted for university students to find tutors based on their specific course learning requirements. An interface that bridges the gap between students and tutors.
Role: User Experience Designer, UI Designer
Tools: Figma, Miro
Problem
International and domestic university students often struggle to find personalized academic support tailored to their specific course requirements. Challenges include language barriers, difficulty locating tutors familiar with particular course materials, and a lack of user-friendly platforms to facilitate these connections.
Why is this important?
Being an international student in Canada, I've experienced firsthand the challenges of accessing personalized academic support. Many students struggle with understanding fundamental concepts or course materials, especially when faced with language barriers and the inability to receive individualized assistance from professors. Recognizing this common struggle, I saw the need for a solution that connects students with university alumni or professional tutors. This platform not only helps students grasp specific course materials but also ensures that they receive support in their first language, addressing a critical gap in the current education system.
User Research
Research Objective:
The research aimed to understand the specific challenges students face in finding and accessing tutoring services, their preferences for tutor selection, and their communication needs.
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Methodology:
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Conducted surveys with 120 university students across 5 institutions.
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Held in-depth interviews with 15 students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Research Questions:
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What challenges do you face when trying to find academic support for your university courses?
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What criteria are most important to you when selecting a tutor? (e.g., subject expertise, availability, price, language proficiency)
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How do you typically schedule tutoring sessions and manage your appointments?
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Have you ever faced any challenges or barriers when communicating with tutors or explaining your learning needs?
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What specific features would you find most helpful in a tutor finding application?
Key Findings
72%
Found it challenging to locate tutors familiar with their specific course content
65%
Expressed a preference for tutors who could communicate in their native language.
80%
Desired a platform with integrated scheduling and communication tools
60%
Relied on peer recommendations due to a lack of trustworthy tutor reviews online
Design Process - Mindmapping
Wireframes
Final Design and Features
Easy Sign Up
Seamless and quick sign-up process for new users, ensuring easy access to tutoring services with minimal hassle
Filter your Search
Advanced filters to refine search results, allowing users to easily find tutors that meet their specific needs and preferences.
Easy Booking Appointment
Effortless appointment booking system that allows users to quickly schedule tutoring sessions with just a few clicks.
Takeaways
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User-Centered Design: Addressing students' specific needs led to a more effective and user-friendly app.
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Simplicity: Easy sign-up and booking features increased accessibility and user engagement.
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Personalization: Advanced filters and personalized recommendations improved user satisfaction.
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Iterative Process: Regular testing and feedback ensured features aligned with user needs.
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Consistency: Maintaining visual and interactive consistency enhanced the overall experience.
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Trust Building: Detailed tutor profiles with qualifications and reviews fostered trust.