Overview
Overview
Duration
Dec 2023 - Feb 2024
Dec 2023 - Feb 2024
Team
1 Lead UX Designer
1 UX Design Intern(me)
1 Product Owner
1 Lead UX Designer
1 UX Design Intern(me)
1 Product Owner
My Role
My main responsibilities included redesigning our traditional, non-intuitive flows, conducting usability testing, and creating improved visuals. I engaged with onboarded clients, collaborated closely with PMs and other stakeholders, and leveraged insights from client interviews and testing sessions to inform and validate design decisions
My Role
My main responsibilities included redesigning our traditional, non-intuitive flows, conducting usability testing, and creating improved visuals.
I engaged with clients, collaborated closely with PMs and other stakeholders, and leveraged insights from client interviews and testing sessions to inform and validate design decisions
Impact
Impact
40%
40%
Increased Course Completion Rate for new learners
Increased Course Completion Rate for new learners
28%
28%
Reduced Onboarding drop off by simplifying entry flows and clarifying early learning steps
Reduced Onboarding drop off by simplifying entry flows and clarifying early learning steps
Background
Background
Simplilearn is the popular online Bootcamp provider, enabling learners across the globe with rigorous and highly specialized training offered in partnership with renowned universities and leading corporations. They have hands-on trainings, with live virtual classes, integrated labs and projects, 24x7 support, and a collaborative learning environment.
Simplilearn is the popular online Bootcamp provider, enabling learners across the globe with rigorous and highly specialized training offered in partnership with renowned universities and leading corporations. They have hands-on trainings, with live virtual classes, integrated labs and projects, 24x7 support, and a collaborative learning environment.
What’s the problem?
What’s the problem?
Despite its potential, Simplilearn had a very low course completion rate (less than 15%).
The general hypothesis was that the online learners just drop off due to many factors like-
Despite its potential, Simplilearn had a very low course completion rate (less than 15%).
The general hypothesis was that the online learners just drop off due to many factors like-
lack of self discipline
lack of self discipline
lack of motivation
lack of motivation
No peer engagement
No peer engagement
no time management
no time management
unsatisfied online experience
unsatisfied online experience
User Research
User Research
Simplilearn has a large number of monthly active users. This large database gives us a lot of scope for doing the primary research through surveys, tickets.
Simplilearn has a large number of monthly active users. This large database gives us a lot of scope for doing the primary research through surveys, tickets.
Goals
The goal of this study is to understand why learners drop off at various instances before completing the program.
Understand the objectives and pain points of these users while pursuing the program. Also, recognise what completion means to these learners.
Understand user’s mental model for navigating self-directed learning experiences online
Identify blockers that result in users drop-off after enrolment in certificate programs
Understand user’s unmet desires from online learning experiences
The goal of this study is to understand why learners drop off at various instances before completing the program.
Understand the objectives and pain points of these users while pursuing the program. Also, recognise what completion means to these learners.
Understand user’s mental model for navigating self-directed learning experiences online
Identify blockers that result in users drop-off after enrolment in certificate programs
Understand user’s unmet desires from online learning experiences
User selection criteria
Completion less than 20%
Skipped few courses and jumped to last
Geo Location of Participants: India
Participants demographic: Mixed group
Methodology
Qualitative Research, Focused Group, Surveys
Research Insights
85%
85%
learners expressed they would like and prefer to have group study to discuss common topics and doubts
learners expressed they would like and prefer to have group study to discuss common topics and doubts
60%
60%
Learners said lack of interaction is leading to procrastination of the project submission
Learners said lack of interaction is leading to procrastination of the project submission
50%
50%
of learners who enrolled in Certificate programs did not initiate their learning process
of learners who enrolled in Certificate programs did not initiate their learning process
Projects create a sense of aversion
As many learners are new & looking to switch careers, the assignments & projects shown even before they take their first class instil stress & demotivation
As many learners are new & looking to switch careers, the assignments & projects shown even before they take their first class instil stress & demotivation
Varied experience levels for users
While some learners are experienced and some beginners. This disparity can demotivate when they cant find peers to discuss topics at the same level
While some learners are experienced and some beginners. This disparity can demotivate when they cant find peers to discuss topics at the same level
Users actively look for study groups
Learners find their own workarounds for unsatisfactory discussions forum by posting group chat links to provide each other the desired support.
Learners find their own workarounds for unsatisfactory discussions forum by posting group chat links to provide each other the desired support.
Redefined Problem Statement
Redefined Problem Statement
How might we
How might we
Motivate learners to engage and learn from other peers to increase the completion rate of the learners
User’s Current journey map
User’s Current journey map
The following map outlines the interactions with the platform(Pre learning , During learning, and post learning) of a new learner who is enrolled in the Professional Certificate program. Key pains points at each stage are highlighted.
The following map outlines the interactions with the platform(Pre learning , During learning, and post learning) of a new learner who is enrolled in the Professional Certificate program. Key pains points at each stage are highlighted.
Understanding Peer Engagement Through a Behavioural Lens
Understanding Peer Engagement Through a Behavioural Lens
Before going into exploring the possible interventions of design in peer engagements in the platform, I tried understanding the motivation behind learners to learn from peers and the different approaches used and its importance in learning any new topic.
Before going into exploring the possible interventions of design in peer engagements in the platform, I tried understanding the motivation behind learners to learn from peers and the different approaches used and its importance in learning any new topic.
Fogg Behavior Model (B=MAT)
Fogg Behavior Model (B=MAT)
Core Principle: Behavior = Motivation × Ability × Trigger
Core Principle: Behavior = Motivation × Ability × Trigger
Motivation: Increase social motivation by tapping into learners’ desire for support, recognition, and progress.
Eg: Add visual progress comparisons like “75% of your peers completed this module — share your tip or ask your doubt!”
Ability: Reduce friction in engaging — make it extremely easy and low-stakes.
Eg : Inline comment buttons (“Ask a peer”), quick-reaction polls, or “one-click” replies like “Same here!” or “Need help too.”
Trigger: Nudge users at the right time — especially when stuck, idle, or returning after a break.
Eg : Trigger contextual nudges like “You’ve paused on this video for 3 mins. Want to see what peers said about this topic?”
Motivation: Increase social motivation by tapping into learners’ desire for support, recognition, and progress.
Eg: Add visual progress comparisons like “75% of your peers completed this module — share your tip or ask your doubt!”
Ability: Reduce friction in engaging — make it extremely easy and low-stakes.
Eg : Inline comment buttons (“Ask a peer”), quick-reaction polls, or “one-click” replies like “Same here!” or “Need help too.”
Trigger: Nudge users at the right time — especially when stuck, idle, or returning after a break.
Eg : Trigger contextual nudges like “You’ve paused on this video for 3 mins. Want to see what peers said about this topic?”
Kinesthetic approach of learning helps in knowledge retention, when people explain things to each other they can understand them better, therefore, the concepts stay with them longer.
Kinesthetic approach of learning helps in knowledge retention, when people explain things to each other they can understand them better, therefore, the concepts stay with them longer.
Student-led online discussions promotes accountability and motivate deeper understanding of concepts.
Student-led online discussions promotes accountability and motivate deeper understanding of concepts.
Social interaction in online learning allows students to share their ideas on various subjects with each other leads to seeing things from multiple perspectives which can open up new understandings about topics.
Social interaction in online learning allows students to share their ideas on various subjects with each other leads to seeing things from multiple perspectives which can open up new understandings about topics.
Competitor Analysis and Benchmarking
Competitor Analysis and Benchmarking
Objectives
Explore how apps with complex functionalities design their upskilling sections.
Identify common UX patterns and mental models familiar to our target audience.
Gather UX inspiration and explore innovative approaches for a sustainable and effective learning experience
Explore how apps with complex functionalities design their upskilling sections.
Identify common UX patterns and mental models familiar to our target audience.
Gather UX inspiration and explore innovative approaches for a sustainable and effective learning experience
weekly discussion forums
general discussion forums
peer graded assignments
course community forums
leaderboards
Peer feedback on Assignments
Shared practice labs
Discussion forums for quiz
Q&A
Group projects
Salient Features
Salient Features
Healthy competition - Users have the ability to follow fellow learners and observe their progress to not fall behind.
Healthy competition - Users have the ability to follow fellow learners and observe their progress to not fall behind.
Community interaction - Users have the ability join learning groups where they discuss similar topics and even connect with each other.
Community interaction - Users have the ability join learning groups where they discuss similar topics and even connect with each other.
Group study/assignment - Learners have the ability to learn more by practically applying the concepts in projects/assignments with their peers
Group study/assignment - Learners have the ability to learn more by practically applying the concepts in projects/assignments with their peers
Initial exploratory concepts & features
Initial exploratory concepts & features
Out of multiple ideas chosen we squared up on a few of them and created a decision matrix to find the feasibility & impact of each ideas. We ought to roll out each ideas as per priority & in phases.
Out of multiple ideas chosen we squared up on a few of them and created a decision matrix to find the feasibility & impact of each ideas. We ought to roll out each ideas as per priority & in phases.
Started brainstorming by low fidelity wireframes on possible solutions
Started brainstorming by low fidelity wireframes on possible solutions
Design Interventions
Design Interventions
Course Overview
Before
After
Getting to know peers in the same cohort
Getting to know peers in the same cohort
Show total cohort enrolment to foster a sense of belonging and highlight the larger learning community
Enabling learners to introduce in a dedicated community thread before the course begins fosters connection and reduces feelings of isolation.
Show total cohort enrolment to foster a sense of belonging and highlight the larger learning community
Enabling learners to introduce in a dedicated community thread before the course begins fosters connection and reduces feelings of isolation.
Self Learning Videos
Self Learning Videos
Before
After
QnA discussion in self learning videos
QnA discussion in self learning videos
Learners will have the ability to post queries directly related to the self-learning videos they are engaging with.
The Q&A section will display historical data from previous cohorts. This includes previously asked questions with answers, enriching the current cohort’s experience with valuable insights and common inquiries.
Users can utilize filters & sort the Q&A content to view queries and discussions relevant to their specific batch, or by top posts, to see the most popular and useful questions and answers first
Learners will have the ability to post queries directly related to the self-learning videos they are engaging with.
The Q&A section will display historical data from previous cohorts. This includes previously asked questions with answers, enriching the current cohort’s experience with valuable insights and common inquiries.
Users can utilize filters & sort the Q&A content to view queries and discussions relevant to their specific batch, or by top posts, to see the most popular and useful questions and answers first
Assessments
Before
After
Discussion during Assessments/Projects
Discussion during Assessments/Projects
Incorporating live discussion rooms on assessment project-based discussion threads.
Aims to create a collaborative learning and curiosity to learn what their peers are learning by joining the discussion online.
Incorporating live discussion rooms on assessment project-based discussion threads.
Aims to create a collaborative learning and curiosity to learn what their peers are learning by joining the discussion online.
Discussion Rooms
Open Discussion Rooms
Open Discussion Rooms
Integrates live rooms for different projects, self-learning videos, assessments. This is designed to foster a collaborative & engaging environment for learners.
Assessments can be completed individually or collaboratively within the live rooms, promoting peer feedback and shared learning.
Aims to create a community of learners who can motivate each other, share knowledge, and collectively work towards their educational goals.
Integrates live rooms for different projects, self-learning videos, assessments. This is designed to foster a collaborative & engaging environment for learners.
Assessments can be completed individually or collaboratively within the live rooms, promoting peer feedback and shared learning.
Aims to create a community of learners who can motivate each other, share knowledge, and collectively work towards their educational goals.
Certificate Sharing
Automatically post learners’ certificates in dedicated community threads upon course completion.
Enable peers to congratulate and recognize each other’s achievements will create a space for learners to publicly acknowledge and celebrate each other's achievements promoting a sense of belonging and community.
Enhanced learner motivation and satisfaction by public recognition and social media visibility.
Automatically post learners’ certificates in dedicated community threads upon course completion.
Enable peers to congratulate and recognize each other’s achievements will create a space for learners to publicly acknowledge and celebrate each other's achievements promoting a sense of belonging and community.
Enhanced learner motivation and satisfaction by public recognition and social media visibility.
Impact
Impact
Increased Completion rate - 40% increase in the completion rate of new learners
Reduced Onboarding drop off by 28% by simplifying entry flows and clarifying early learning steps
Increased Completion rate - 40% increase in the completion rate of new learners
Reduced Onboarding drop off by 28% by simplifying entry flows and clarifying early learning steps
Learning & Takeaways
Learning & Takeaways
Overall my experience working with one of the main aspect of the product was challenging as well as gratifying. I was proud that was able to achieve our target and impress the clients at the final presentation. This journey rewarded me with some valuable learnings.
Cross Collaboration and communication
I learned the importance of effective collaboration and communication with stakeholders, including developers, product managers and other team members, throughout the design process to align on goals, requirements, and feedback.
Overall my experience working with one of the main aspect of the product was challenging as well as gratifying. I was proud that was able to achieve our target and impress the clients at the final presentation. This journey rewarded me with some valuable learnings.
Cross Collaboration and communication
I learned the importance of effective collaboration and communication with stakeholders, including developers, product managers and other team members, throughout the design process to align on goals, requirements, and feedback.