My role:
• Supported the design lead in identifying user needs, optimizing user flows, and transforming them into high-fidelity screens.
• Worked closely with stakeholders to develop a strategic roadmap and project timeline, ensuring alignment across the team.
• Oversaw the handoff to the development team, refining design documentation to ensure clear and efficient implementation.
Coursepals 1.0 was originally developed by a Stanford T.A. to assist both professors and themselves with their work. Its core functionality centered around using various APIs to generate discussions before, during, and after classes, aimed at boosting student engagement and enjoyment. The software also featured built-in tracking tools, allowing for the monitoring of student activity and identifying the most popular discussion topics.
However, after the launch of version 1.0, many professors provided feedback highlighting several challenges:
- Significant Barriers to Adoption
Professors mentioned that using Coursepals required approvals from both the department and the university, which typically involved a waiting period of at least six months.
- Low Commercial Potential and Slow Progress
Funding for the software could only be accessed after departmental approval, which further slowed down its potential adoption and development.
After evaluating available funding and resources, the creators realized they couldn’t sustain such a long period without generating revenue.
As a result, they decided to pivot from a B2B to a B2C model, shifting their focus from professors to students as the target users.
This is why they brought me on board to revamp the product.
Team:
UX Designer: Ding Li, Lin Li, Ocean Zhang
Developer: Sam He, Chengling Yu, Junyuan Deng
Product Manager: Derrick Gong
Timeline: 3 months
Research & Interviews: Contrasting Needs of Students and Professors
We conducted over 12 interviews and numerous surveys through Stanford Confessions to better understand the pain points and purchase intentions of our new audience. This research led to the development of personas and user journeys for our target market.
What is CoursePals.ai (2.0)?
Coursepals.ai - is an all-in-one personalized GPT application for course learning and academic research. With Coursepals.ai, you can enhance your study routine by completing assignments up to five times faster using tailored GPTs for your courses while enjoying built-in access to academic sourcing APIs.
Problem Statement
How might we create an intuitive solution that streamlines coursework management, simplifies academic sourcing, and automates citations to meet students' specific needs without adding complexity?
Product Features
- Customize your own academic GPTs
Upload your course material files to make GPTs as experts.
- 1-Click APIs Switching for precise answers
- Co-create GPTs with team members
To be continued..