ECTivate
ECTivate
ECTivate
A course management system help ECT teachers to prepare and orchestrate classes @NYU ECT
A course management system help ECT teachers to prepare and orchestrate classes @NYU ECT
A course management system help ECT teachers to prepare and orchestrate classes @NYU ECT
Project Name
Project Name
Project Name
ECTivate
ECTivate
ECTivate
Project Nature
Project Nature
Project Nature
Team Project
Team Project
Team Project
Team members
Team members
Sherin Chen, Lin Sui
Ziying Zhao, Merry Cui
Sherin Chen, Lin Sui
Ziying Zhao, Merry Cui
My role
My role
Team lead, Main UX/UI designer
Team lead, Main UX/UI designer
Project Type
Project Type
Project Type
UX design (Web)
UX design (Web)
UX design (Web)
Duration
Duration
Duration
09.2024—12.2024
09.2024—12.2024
09.2024—12.2024
Abstract
Abstract
Abstract
This project aims to address the challenges teachers face in planning and delivering lessons. Also, administrative tasks like grading and progress tracking often drain time and energy, leaving less room for creative lesson planning.
This project aims to address the challenges teachers face in planning and delivering lessons. Also, administrative tasks like grading and progress tracking often drain time and energy, leaving less room for creative lesson planning.
This project aims to address the challenges teachers face in planning and delivering lessons. Also, administrative tasks like grading and progress tracking often drain time and energy, leaving less room for creative lesson planning.
Notably, I played a key role in our team. As for the leadership, as the most experienced in UXD, I often guided the project to ensure clear, logical progress. From a design perspective, I served as the primary UX designer. Four out of the five solutions came from my initial sketches, and I also created three of the final prototypes.
Notably, I played a key role in our team. As for the leadership, as the most experienced in UXD, I often guided the project to ensure clear, logical progress. From a design perspective, I served as the primary UX designer. Four out of the five solutions came from my initial sketches, and I also created three of the final prototypes.
Notably, I played a key role in our team. As for the leadership, as the most experienced in UXD, I often guided the project to ensure clear, logical progress. From a design perspective, I served as the primary UX designer. Four out of the five solutions came from my initial sketches, and I also created three of the final prototypes.
Menu
Menu
Discovery & User Research
Discovery & User Research
Discovery & User Research
Research Process
Research Process
Research Process
Step One: Desk Research
We researched teachers' teaching tools and lesson preparation processes, then formulated questions for further exploration in the user survey.
Step One: Desk Research
We researched teachers' teaching tools and lesson preparation processes, then formulated questions for further exploration in the user survey.
Step Two: User Survey
Through the user survey (21 valid responses), we gained insights into teachers' complete lesson preparation workflow and identified some broad issues.
Step Two: User Survey
Through the user survey (21 valid responses), we gained insights into teachers' complete lesson preparation workflow and identified some broad issues.
Step Three: User Interview
Building on this, we conducted interviews with six target users, which allowed us to uncover more detailed user needs and pain points.
Step Three: User Interview
Building on this, we conducted interviews with six target users, which allowed us to uncover more detailed user needs and pain points.
Step Four: Data Analysis
Finally, we organized all the collected data using an affinity map and summarized four key insights and and developed two core personas.
Step Four: Data Analysis
Finally, we organized all the collected data using an affinity map and summarized four key insights and and developed two core personas.
Methodology & Tools:
Desk Research, User Survey, User interview, Affinity Map, Persona
Methodology & Tools:
Desk Research, User Survey, User interview, Affinity Map, Persona
*Tip: The details of the above steps can be viewed in the carousel below.
Key insights
Key insights
Key insights
Insight One
Part-time teachers focus more on the efficiency and smoothness of the teaching process.
Insight One
Part-time teachers focus more on the efficiency and smoothness of the teaching process.
Insight Two
Full-time teachers focus more on student engagement and communication with students.
Insight Two
Full-time teachers focus more on student engagement and communication with students.
Insight Three
Teachers are sensitive to time and energy management and have a need for simplified software processes.
Insight Three
Teachers are sensitive to time and energy management and have a need for simplified software processes.
Insight Four
The communication channels with students are inefficient, making it hard to get genuine feedback from them.
Insight Four
The communication channels with students are inefficient, making it hard to get genuine feedback from them.
Core Personas
Core Personas
Core Personas
Design & Prototype
Design & Prototype
Design & Prototype
Design & Prototype Process
Design & Prototype Process
Design & Prototype Process
Step One: Concept Exploration
Expand on insights using the "How Might We" (HMW) framework to explore creative directions and design opportunities.
Use the "Crazy eights" method to quickly sketch multiple ideas, ensuring a broad range of potential solutions is considered.
Step One: Concept Exploration
Expand on insights using the "How Might We" (HMW) framework to explore creative directions and design opportunities.
Use the "Crazy eights" method to quickly sketch multiple ideas, ensuring a broad range of potential solutions is considered.
Step Two: Idea Refinement
Apply the Six Thinking Hats to critique sketches from diverse perspectives, refine key ideas, and vote on the most promising concepts.
Based on the selected ideas, create storyboards and write scenarios to illustrate user contexts and interactions with the solution.
Step Two: Idea Refinement
Apply the Six Thinking Hats to critique sketches from diverse perspectives, refine key ideas, and vote on the most promising concepts.
Based on the selected ideas, create storyboards and write scenarios to illustrate user contexts and interactions with the solution.
Step Three: Information Architecture Design
Define user task flows based on scenarios, outlining the steps users follow to achieve their goals.
Develop a site map to organize the website’s structure and functional modules, ensuring alignment with the task flows.
Step Three: Information Architecture Design
Define user task flows based on scenarios, outlining the steps users follow to achieve their goals.
Develop a site map to organize the website’s structure and functional modules, ensuring alignment with the task flows.
Step Four: Prototyping & Testing
Design a lo-fi prototype and conduct user testing to observe user interactions, collect feedback, and identify pain points.
Analyze feedback using Rainbow Spreadsheet and Heuristic Evaluation to determine areas for improvement and iterate on the design.
Step Four: Prototyping & Testing
Design a lo-fi prototype and conduct user testing to observe user interactions, collect feedback, and identify pain points.
Analyze feedback using Rainbow Spreadsheet and Heuristic Evaluation to determine areas for improvement and iterate on the design.
Methodology & Tools:
"How Might We" questions, Crazy 8s, Six Thinking Hats, Rainbow Spreadsheet, Heuristic Evaluation
Methodology & Tools:
"How Might We" questions, Crazy 8s, Six Thinking Hats, Rainbow Spreadsheet, Heuristic Evaluation
*Tip: The details of the above steps can be viewed in the carousel below.
Final Design
Final Design
Final Design
An learning management system help ECT instructors to prepare and orchestrate classes
An learning management system help ECT instructors to prepare and orchestrate classes
Check the Demo →
Course Community
Course Community
Course Community
One of the standout features of our web is the Community section. Here, teachers can explore a wide variety of course materials and templates shared by other teachers. This open-source approach makes lesson planning more efficient and rich.
One of the standout features of our web is the Community section. Here, teachers can explore a wide variety of course materials and templates shared by other teachers. This open-source approach makes lesson planning more efficient and rich.
One of the standout features of our web is the Community section. Here, teachers can explore a wide variety of course materials and templates shared by other teachers. This open-source approach makes lesson planning more efficient and rich.
Teachers can choose to copy the whole template or pick specific sections to tailor their lessons. By fostering resource sharing, we aim to save time and inspire creativity in lesson preparation.
Teachers can choose to copy the whole template or pick specific sections to tailor their lessons. By fostering resource sharing, we aim to save time and inspire creativity in lesson preparation.
Teachers can choose to copy the whole template or pick specific sections to tailor their lessons. By fostering resource sharing, we aim to save time and inspire creativity in lesson preparation.
AI Assistant
AI Assistant
AI Assistant
Next feature is AI assistant. For teachers, If you have difficulties using platform features, you can just ask the AI for help. It will provide step-by-step instructions and even include links to relevant teaching resources. This ensures that teachers can use the platform with ease and confidence.
Next feature is AI assistant. For teachers, If you have difficulties using platform features, you can just ask the AI for help. It will provide step-by-step instructions and even include links to relevant teaching resources. This ensures that teachers can use the platform with ease and confidence.
For students, they can ask about their weekly assignments, and the AI will organize a list of tasks and deadlines for all the courses, and also with source links. This feature not only keeps students organized but also reduces the burden on teachers by providing responses about assignments and deadlines.
For students, they can ask about their weekly assignments, and the AI will organize a list of tasks and deadlines for all the courses, and also with source links. This feature not only keeps students organized but also reduces the burden on teachers by providing responses about assignments and deadlines.
We also has a ai feature in editing pages. It can automatically enhance text by identifying main content, headings, and subheadings, applying appropriate font sizes and colors for better readability. This feature helps teachers create visually clear and polished materials while saving time on formatting.
We also has a ai feature in editing pages. It can automatically enhance text by identifying main content, headings, and subheadings, applying appropriate font sizes and colors for better readability. This feature helps teachers create visually clear and polished materials while saving time on formatting.
We also has a ai feature in editing pages. It can automatically enhance text by identifying main content, headings, and subheadings, applying appropriate font sizes and colors for better readability. This feature helps teachers create visually clear and polished materials while saving time on formatting.
See the content of the editing page is already formatted by AI.
See the content of the editing page is already formatted by AI.
See the content of the editing page is already formatted by AI.
Schedule Feature
Schedule Feature
Schedule Feature
ECTivate integrates teaching and other schedule events, allowing instructors to view and edit their schedules on a single page according to the communication with students.
ECTivate integrates teaching and other schedule events, allowing instructors to view and edit their schedules on a single page according to the communication with students.
Feedback Visualization
Feedback Visualization
Feedback Visualization
We also provides ECT instructors with visualized feedback on classes and assignments, enabling them to easily reference students' thoughts and improve their teaching.
We also provides ECT instructors with visualized feedback on classes and assignments, enabling them to easily reference students' thoughts and improve their teaching.
Try Our Prototype!
Try Our Prototype!
Try Our Prototype!
If you'd like to experience this prototype—imagine you're a university professor using course management software, and try completing the following tasks:
Task 1
Set up a course by copying an existing template from the course community (don't forget to use the AI feature on the editing page to assist with formatting).
Task 1
Set up a course by copying an existing template from the course community (don't forget to use the AI feature on the editing page to assist with formatting).
Task 2
Assuming you are having trouble using the website, try asking the ai assistant for help.
Task 2
Assuming you are having trouble using the website, try asking the ai assistant for help.
Task 3
Checking the schedule changes and delete the meeting with Jane on Saturday.
Task 3
Checking the schedule changes and delete the meeting with Jane on Saturday.
Task 4
View the visualized feedback from students regarding Week 1's class and assignments.
Task 4
View the visualized feedback from students regarding Week 1's class and assignments.
If you have any suggestions or improvement ideas, feel free to reach out!
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
A-ha! Moments:
UXD requires not only strong logic but also storytelling skills: While analyzing data, I observed how new insights often emerged unexpectedly, leading us to revisit earlier stages of research. This iterative process made me appreciate the fluid nature of user research and the importance of flexibility in adapting to new discoveries.
The research process is not a one-way linear path: During the presentation of our design concept, I realized how essential it is to craft a compelling narrative that connects with users emotionally while explaining the rationale behind our design choices. Clear storytelling helped convey the value of our solutions effectively and engaged our audience on a deeper level.
A-ha! Moments:
UXD requires not only strong logic but also storytelling skills: While analyzing data, I observed how new insights often emerged unexpectedly, leading us to revisit earlier stages of research. This iterative process made me appreciate the fluid nature of user research and the importance of flexibility in adapting to new discoveries.
The research process is not a one-way linear path: During the presentation of our design concept, I realized how essential it is to craft a compelling narrative that connects with users emotionally while explaining the rationale behind our design choices. Clear storytelling helped convey the value of our solutions effectively and engaged our audience on a deeper level.
Team Collaboration:
Constructive Handling of Differences: Our team excelled at navigating disagreements in a rational and respectful manner. Whenever differences in opinion arose, we approached them as opportunities for deeper exploration rather than obstacles. Each member actively listened, asked clarifying questions, and presented their perspectives with supporting rationale, creating a productive environment for discussion.
Collaborative Idea Refinement: The exchange of diverse viewpoints often led to the refinement of our ideas. By encouraging open dialogue and fostering a culture of curiosity, we were able to identify strengths and gaps in each perspective. This process of thoughtful debate and synthesis ultimately resulted in more innovative and well-rounded solutions.
Team Collaboration:
Constructive Handling of Differences: Our team excelled at navigating disagreements in a rational and respectful manner. Whenever differences in opinion arose, we approached them as opportunities for deeper exploration rather than obstacles. Each member actively listened, asked clarifying questions, and presented their perspectives with supporting rationale, creating a productive environment for discussion.
Collaborative Idea Refinement: The exchange of diverse viewpoints often led to the refinement of our ideas. By encouraging open dialogue and fostering a culture of curiosity, we were able to identify strengths and gaps in each perspective. This process of thoughtful debate and synthesis ultimately resulted in more innovative and well-rounded solutions.
What would I improve next time:
Managing Workload Distribution: Although the team worked well collaboratively, there were instances where certain members felt overwhelmed by their assigned tasks, while others had lighter workloads. For future projects, I would propose regular workload assessments and redistributing tasks as needed to ensure an equitable balance and maintain team morale.
Prototyping Early and Iteratively: Our team spent significant time perfecting the initial prototype before testing it with users. This limited our ability to gather iterative feedback and refine the design based on real user insights. Next time, I would focus on creating low-fidelity prototypes earlier in the process and conducting quick, informal testing rounds to identify usability issues sooner.
What would I improve next time:
Managing Workload Distribution: Although the team worked well collaboratively, there were instances where certain members felt overwhelmed by their assigned tasks, while othershad lighter workloads. For future projects, I would propose regular workload assessments and redistributing tasks as needed to ensure an equitable balance and maintain team morale.
Prototyping Early and Iteratively: Our team spent significant time perfecting the initial prototype before testing it with users. This limited our ability to gather iterative feedback and refine the design based on real user insights. Next time, I would focus on creating low-fidelity prototypes earlier in the process and conducting quick, informal testing rounds to identify usability issues sooner.
Get in touch
Get in touch
Get in touch
Feel free to reach out if you're interested in collaboration or have recruitment opportunities. I'd be happy to connect!
Feel free to reach out if you're interested in collaboration or have recruitment opportunities. I'd be happy to connect!
Feel free to reach out if you're interested in collaboration or have recruitment opportunities. I'd be happy to connect!
Email: xuanlinchen86@gmail.com
Email: xuanlinchen86@gmail.com
Email: xuanlinchen86@gmail.com
More Information:
More Information:
More Information:
© 2025 Sherin Chen
© 2025 Sherin Chen
© 2025 Sherin Chen