My Approach
When a well-known food chain approached us to create a platform for their nonprofit educational program, I focused on aligning the digital solution with the program’s overarching mission: promoting health and sustainability. The platform needed to effectively consolidate classroom materials, environmental events, and campaign content while emphasizing the brand’s role as an inspiring and caring advocate for positive change.
Vision and Innovation
This project presented a unique opportunity to transform an established program into an accessible, engaging platform that schools could depend on during challenging times like the pandemic. My vision was to design a solution that not only streamlined educational resources but also introduced innovative features to empower teachers and enhance their ability to inspire students.
Identifying Unique Challenges
Through interviews with the program’s existing users—primarily teachers—we uncovered significant challenges. The pandemic had drastically shifted teaching environments, creating a need for a more adaptable, user-friendly solution. Additionally, while the existing program had its strengths, key features were missing that could address the evolving needs of educators and students.
Resolving Complex Problems
To address these challenges, I facilitated workshops with key stakeholders during the ideation phase. These workshops were instrumental in mapping out the platform’s sitemap and defining user personas with detailed use cases. By integrating stakeholder insights early on, we ensured the platform was both comprehensive and intuitive.
User-Centric Design
The wireframing process brought the platform concept to life. Through several iterations, we refined the design to reflect both the company’s brand identity and the users’ needs. Every decision was guided by a user-centric approach, ensuring that the platform would provide meaningful, accessible solutions for educators.
Meeting User Needs
The final design integrated features that directly addressed user pain points, such as streamlined access to resources, clear navigation, and adaptable tools for both virtual and in-person learning. By prioritizing the needs of educators, the platform was positioned to be an indispensable resource that aligned with the company’s mission of fostering health and sustainability.
Accessibility
Make The Difference is fully A11y optimised, ensuring that the platform is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Features like keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and high contrast options makes the platform inclusive and user-friendly.
Conclusion
This project was a testament to the impact of collaborative design and thorough user research. The platform, now prepared for the next phase of user testing and validation, represents a significant step forward in transforming health and sustainability education. My role in research, stakeholder collaboration, and iterative design was pivotal in laying the groundwork for a product that empowers educators and supports the brand’s vision.
