Reading Assistant

Project Brief

Design an interactive learning platform for neurodivergent kids, that offers personalized reading and comprehension assistant to improve the learner’s pronunciation, fluency and comprehension

Utilize the client’s unique Machine Learning model, that makes it possible to precisely compare audio waveforms and find the differences between the two.

The Problem

1 of 5 kids in the United States have some sort of learning disabilities (LD)

7 of 10 kids with LD spend 80% of their time in general classrooms

33% of the teachers believe that this is just laziness

48% of the parents wrongly believe that the kids grow out of LD

There are a lot of barriers and difficulties for students with learning disabilities but the most prominent one’s are Lack of Individualization and Lack of Accessible Study Materials

Lack of Individualization is the least talked barrier faced by students with learning disabilities

A blanket approach designed based on preset categories formulated on the basis of disability or weakness. The strengths of individual students with disabilities are not assessed

Some students need personalized attention but due to the lack of individualization the needs of such students are ignored

Teachers are often not trained enough or they keep on going with the pace of the curriculum or bright students, and students with disabilities are left behind

A deeper dive into the problem

I conducted interviews with the parents of kids who are the primary users, which helped narrow down on a lot of needs and pain points

The next step was doing desk research and market research to learn more about the product space and gather information about the users

Key Insights

The 3 P's

Pronunciation, Pauses and Pace need to be emphasized more. Improving them shows the biggest gains in reading confidence of the children

Repetition and Breakdown

Going over the content over and over again at their own pace helps the kids learn better.

Breaking down the parts where things are going wrong is more ideal than just pointing out the mistake.

Understanding Priorities

Focusing less on “How to speak” and more towards the “Meaning” of the sentences will lead to improvement in Comprehension and Fluency

Compare and contrast (what you said vs what is correct) helps the kids understand where they are going wrong faster

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is an effective way to identify, teach appropriate behaviors to students, utilizing encouragement and reward systems

This behavioral strategy can be used across a variety of student populations including those with learning disabilities, and is easily maintained

Understanding the bigger picture

Based on these findings, Personas and Information Architecture was created that helped in establishing the Design Pillars.

User Personas

Information Architecture

Bringing the pieces together

Discover

Analysis

Design

Design Pillars

Keep it clear and simple.
No technical lingo. Avoid ambiguity.
Do not try to teach.
Keep things fun, engaging, visually pleasing.
Instant feedback. Children need instant reactions. Build confidence. More encouragement is needed. Consider the difference in age groups of the users.
Keep in mind the superusers (parents and teachers) too.
Keep the mindset of a child.

Final Visual Designs