GJB is a passionate project where I explore how technology can help students establish connections with mentors and enhance their learning experience.
GOOD JOB BROTHER
The Challenge
The design challenge I've set for myself is to create an MVP that expands students' learning resources, enhances connections with mentors and studios, and brings the benefit of one-on-one tutoring even in group classroom settings. However, there are a few applications with a similar purpose.
Affinity Map From User Interviews
User control of app
User preferences: dance styles, skill level, instructors
Personalized recommendations
Scheduling and booking
Progress tracking
Practical application of material
Video tutorials: instructional videos, techniques, styles
Practice sessions: live or recorded
Music integration:
popular and genre-specific
Performance opportunities
Material and exercises
Material and exercises
Warm-up and cool-down exercises
Technique drills
The Outcome
I designed GJB, an iOS native mobile application, to provide users with more opportunities to explore the breakdance culture and promote and educate the philosophy of breaking through the GJB Studio. The app aims to challenge the perception that "breaking is rebellious."
Registration
• Secured registration
• Simple collection of data for preference
• Only major information is collected
Matching
• Manual matching (selecting known mentors)
• Matching based on preferred elements
Features
Viewing and modifying the timetable of enrolled classes
Learning resources from dedicated mentors
Targeted mentor feedback
News and event registration from the studio
Research Insights
Firstly, I conducted user research through desk research and user interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. In total, we received 20 survey responses and conducted 6 interviews. The following are key findings that influenced the GJB solution:
01
Themes, mentors, and learning outcomes are the top three factors people consider before participating in group instruction.
02
Access to up-to-date cultural information, personal performance, and additional learning resources are the top three elements students desire.
03
Due to Breaking/hip hop culture being traditionally associated with negative connotations in Hong Kong, most participants and parents are concerned about learning Breaking through less reputable channels.
04
Shy and introverted students express concerns about being overlooked by mentors and fear of asking questions.
GJB Focus
Based on the research findings, I have decided to focus the GJB solution on enhancing the connection between mentors and students, exploring additional structures and services that GJB can provide through communication. Taking these audiences into consideration, I have prioritized the following issues in the product:
How can students receive guidance from their mentors outside of class hours?
How can students track their progress and changes in their development?
How can we integrate information about the entire breaking culture?
Interaction Flows
As the MVP functionalities are being developed, I focused on three main stages of information architecture within GJB: personal management, connection with mentors, and connection with culture.
Visualising GJB
An initial process of sketching on Procreate, then user testing and wireframing allowed me to quickly iterate on how CoDin would look and catch any issues in the interface early on.
Register and matching
App experience
Register and matching
App experience
USABILITY TESTING
Shy and introverted students express concerns about being overlooked by mentors and fear of asking questions.
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Observe points of friction and areas of delight
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Decide which options to make available in the tab menu based on user expectations
After categorizing the data, I used a rainbow spreadsheet to make better sense of what my priorities should be in the next iteration.
Observations
Unable to choose the option of not revealing gender
Difficulty arises in selecting due to unclear element names
The "good job brother" team page appears confusing
Would like to have a sense of completion
Positive
All important information can be found on the main page
Appreciation for the placement of the "next" button
Clear interface design
The functionality meets all needs
The comment feature is innovative and highly beneficial
User-friendly
Negative
Dislike the waiting symbol
Unwillingness to disclose real age
Matching results should come before the sign-in process
Reluctance to type on the age page
Only "Hello Bro" is present; there is no "sis" option
Errors
The term "Connect a tutor" is vague
Unable to find the registration location
Style Guide & Accessibility
I documented UI elements to ensure the look and tone of the app remain consistent. As I improve upon the design, the guidelines will have to be referred to and updated accordingly.
High-Fidelity & Further Iterations
Register and matching
App experience
Final Designs
Here you can access the final CoDine Figma prototype!
Retrospective & Next Steps
01
At the beginning of this project, I had a small idea about how technology could assist with GJB registrations and class scheduling. However, through conversations with users, I discovered greater complexities, and designing a great solution required multiple iterations!
02
As my first major design project, GJB taught me that I am not the user. My greatest insights came from my surveys and interviews, understanding how users interpreted my ideas. Overall, I realized how important user testing is in user experience design.
03
Based on user feedback, there are many areas in which GJB can continue to improve. For instance, incorporating a blog could be a valuable addition. Additionally, exploring the idea of a rewards system may also be worth considering.