Hey I’m Anna! A product & visual designer
Integrating AR to assist in learning development for children
stori
Role
Research, Ideation, UI/UX,
Visual design, Prototyping
Problem
Duration
4 weeks
Tools
Adobe XD, Illustrator,
Photoshop, Cinema 4D
With children today being digital natives, the need for technology-based learning has become increasingly more important. However, even with all its advancements, there is still a limited selection of AR-integrated tools for children that specifically relate to learning and literacy development.
Solution
Stori is an AR integrated storytelling and story-creation application designed for children (4-10) encouraging creativity, critical thinking, language skills, and literacy development. Reading and creating are some of the fundamental ways to effectively nurture a child’s overall development. Integrating AR into the learning process allows for higher engagement, more hands-on learning, and a kickstart into digital literacy. Stori combines the best of both worlds to create the most optimal learning experience for children.
With the application’s storytelling function, a library of stories is provided for children to read in an immersive AR experience; children are also able to incorporate their own imagination to create experiences in AR with the story-creation function.
Competitive Analysis
I began researching competitors with similar products to better understand the current market opportunities Stori could fill. Here are key insights that I found:
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Most competitors don't offer the age group 4-10
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Most competitors only offer limited subjects and very specific features to explore (not multifaceted)
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Some competitors require other technologies in order to function to full capacity
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Some competitors only offer one platform to access the application
Primary Research
To further my research I conducted user interviews with children ages 5 - 9 and their parents. I wanted to find out if kids would be interested in something like Stori, and if they thought it would benefit them. I also wanted to know if parents had any frustrations when it came to assisting in their child's learning development, as well as if they were willing to invest in a product that could help. Here's what I found:
Kids are interested in/want to improve their literacy skills
Kids believe that technology-based learning would help them with the process
Parents sometimes find it challenging to keep their child interested in learning certain skills
Parents are willing to invest in a product that assists with the process
Personas
To summarize my research and findings, I created a PACT analysis and 2 user personas which I would base on when creating my user scenarios.
* images taken from Unsplash
Ideation
After finalizing my research, I began ideating possible user interfaces and interactions that would deliver the user-friendly experiences I wanted to achieve.
User Testing
I got the opportunity to conduct a few user-tests to gain insight and feedback. Through this, I was able to better understand the problem and reiterate my userflows accordingly. Here were my main takeaways:
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Include parental password protection before a child posts their content on the app.
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Users should just choose preexisting creation elements instead of drawing their own: avoids unnecessary frustration and challenges.
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Include a section for stories chosen for the user based on interest. This section should be updated weekly or so to keep engagement.
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Sort stories into a few major categories to provide easier navigation.
Information Architecture
After revising the initial userflows with the feedback given, I developed the final IA for my scenarios:
Wireframing
Taking the IA, I started building mid-high fidelity wireframes to map out the user interactions and overall layout.
Visual System
When developing the visual system, I wanted to ensure that it appealed to the target audience. This is why I chose bright colors and a more playful typeface to communicate a friendly, familiar, and welcoming tone. I also created a few illustrations to tie in the overall visual design of the application. I wanted to ensure that all aspects of the app were cohesive and fitting to the brand.
Illustrations & 3D renders
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Onboarding
Easy & friendly user experience for first-time users when creating an account and navigating the app
Reading a Story
Straightforward navigation system to find a story of interest and read it in AR
Creating a Story
Helpful walkthroughs to make the story creation process as easy as possible for first-time users
View interactive prototype here
Reflection
This was my first time designing an app along with its interactions, so it was definitely a huge learning experience from research to execution. I learned the value of modifying my design through various iterations in order to better suit my target audience’s needs; I learned to design every element with a purpose and function rather than just for aesthetic value; most importantly, I learned to thorough my research prior to designing to gain more clarity in the vision for the app.
Of course, there are still areas I want to improve on, like learning to further deepen my research and explore more possibilities in 3D rendering. However, given the time frame and original objective, I am satisfied with what was achieved.
Future thoughts:
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Continue to conduct user tests and reiterate accordingly
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Explore AR software to try and develop parts of the protoype
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Explore more possibilities in 3D rendering
Check out my other projects ↘
