Case Study
NaviLearn: Bridging the Academic Digital Divide
An Accessible Research Tool Designed for the Non-Tech Native
The Goal
Technology Resources in Your Hands
Despite living in a digital world, a significant demographic — adults aged 18 to 70, including retirees, gig workers, and students new to tech — finds academic research frustrating and inaccessible. The digital divide is not just about access to hardware. It is about the complexity of software.
Research
What Research Actually Revealed
Four tangible barriers emerged from our research — time constraints, physical accessibility challenges, fear of data loss, and the need for offline access. These were the real reasons users struggled, not a lack of intelligence.
Process
Starting With Structure: Paper Wireframes
Iterating through two different starter frames to determine the most intuitive layout. Focus was on clear navigation paths — a prominent curated feed, distinct saved resources, and creator helpful resources.
Frame A
Frame B
Iteration
Simplifying the Navigation
Consolidated menu reduced from 4 icons to 3. Merged Saved Items and Processing to eliminate clutter. Added Free Related Lessons prompts to address the pain point of costly educational plans.
Testing
The Reality Check: Usability Findings
Round 1
Accessibility
Users needed voice feedback for actions. Visual focus points were too weak for eye impairments and needed thicker lines.
Round 2
Interaction
Buttons were too small causing accidental clicks. Users explicitly requested a language option in settings.
Refinement
One Decision. Clearer Design.
Usability testing revealed that busy backgrounds were creating eye strain. One accessibility-driven decision changed everything.
Pivot: I removed the background colors for accessibility reasons, leaving a clear white background. It creates less strain on the eyes.
Inclusive Design
Designing for Every User
Language Translation
Integrated directly into the header for non-native speakers.
Magnifier Tool
For reading efficiency and users with visual impairments.
Voice Recorder / Input
Enabling users to take notes and find materials without typing.
High Fidelity
Screens That Earned Their Place
A seamless flow that prioritizes intuitive navigation and clear presentation of critical information.
Featured Onboarding Screen
User Journey
Following the User Through
Seamless Navigation — Connecting Onboarding, Curated Feed, and Offline Downloads for a continuous dead-end-free experience.
Outcome
Impact & Key Takeaways
Impact
Users reported increased ease in studying and note-taking. Accessibility features notably improved the study experience. Validated the mobile-first approach as many users rely exclusively on phones.
What I Learned
Users face prevalent difficulty accessing efficient study materials. Prioritizing user insights over assumptions was crucial to solving the digital divide.
Roadmap
Next Steps
Beta Launch
Release to 50 users to gather real-world data on engagement and refine the app.
Advanced AI
Integrate AI to suggest personalized learning resources and curate learning paths based on user preference.
Wellness Features
Add mental break features like meditations to prevent study burnout, and study timers to help with time management.