How can we equip substitute teachers for success in their ever-changing roles and ensure they consistently meet expectations?
Step 1:Discover
Who are Substitute Teachers? and Why do I care about them?
A substitute teacher is an educator who steps in to teach and manage a class when the regular teacher is absent, playing a crucial role in maintaining the continuity and stability of the education system.
What is the CURRENT SITUATION?
Customer Research
I was surprised by a 77% shortage of substitutes. To understand the reasons, I interviewed 8 educators to learn why they avoid covering classrooms.
Additionally, I conducted a competitive analysis to assess current practices, their alignment with user behavior, and gaps in addressing key aspects of substitute teaching.
Competitive Analysis
1
2
2
3
4
Screening
Important Findings
Substitute teacher apps focus on job placement but lack features to improve classroom performance.
A mobile app is needed for substitute teachers' quick-paced work setting.
3
Job posting is not clear, so fewer people apply.
4
In-App communication is crucial, yet no app currently addresses this need for substitute teachers.
User Interviews
Interview Questions Important to Answer
Important Findings
1
I was surprised that the sub-teacher felt isolated because of miscommunication.
Sub-teachers do not get proper subfolders in the classroom.
Most admins do not want to use the app due to a lack of transparency which causes low user satisfaction.
Substitute teachers want to have training and online courses to improve their skills.
Step 2: Define
Research's INFLUENCE on the product development?
Affinity Map
The main discovery and the major issue from user interviews and research is that substitute teachers lack a proper subfolder to manage their day in the classroom.
Persona
After synthesizing my research, I created personas to establish user-tailored experiences.
I have three user groups: substitute teachers (primary), administrators (secondary), and regular teachers (tertiary). I created personas for substitute teachers and administrators to ensure their needs are met and to develop an efficient product.
The user testing process consisted of two rounds, each involving 10 participants. Each round featured 5 pre-defined tasks for participants to complete.
The testing revealed that the digital subfolder feature met user needs well and provided sufficient job details for users to make informed decisions, demonstrating successful UX design. However, there is a need for improvement in UI elements to enhance clarity in design.
Key Learnings
Step 3: Ideation
Conceptualizing Innovative Solutions.
User Story
From the user stories I created and feedback gathered in affinity mapping, the main outcomes prioritize implementing a digital standard subfolder and improving job posting details to enhance app differentiation and user satisfaction.
Streamline Absence Management for Admins
Simplifying administrative tasks for seamless scheduling and find the perfect substitute teacher effortlessly.
Information Architecture
User FLow
Step 4: Design
Crafting User-Centered Designs
Sketches
Wireframes
Testing and Iteration
Step 5: Testing
Evaluating User Feedback and Iterating Designs
User-Centered Design:
Prioritizing needs and preferences of substitute teachers and school staff is crucial for an effective app.
Collaboration Adds Value:
Connecting with educators nationwide for diverse insights.
Ensuring app addresses real-world challenges in education.
Brand Identity
Responsive - Empowering - Connected - Efficient - Innovative - Organized - Dynamic
Color
Light purple symbolizes freshness, innovation, and mindfulness, perfectly matching the Sub Folder app's brand identity. It represents the app's dedication to introducing new ideas and solutions to education, fostering creativity and forward-thinking.
Implementing a minimalist color scheme in the sub-teacher app improves user navigation and communication, aligning well with the dynamic nature of classroom management and meeting the professional needs of substitute teachers.
Step 6: Final Solution
How the Final Product Met User Needs
After two rounds of rigorous testing and iteration, I have refined my design to cater to the needs of substitute teachers, offering them essential support in their dynamic work environments. Following the latest user interview, I've received resoundingly positive feedback. Here is the user-centered final solution aimed at aiding substitute teachers effectively.
Standard Online Sub Plan for Substitute Teachers
Substitute Teachers can effortlessly navigate diverse roles and consistently meet expectations.
Key Results for Business Objectives
I set KPIs focused on business objectives and tested users on selecting sub teacher jobs. The testing aimed to ensure these features were user-friendly and effective in achieving the desired outcomes.
Next Steps
Enhance Accessibility:
Expand app accessibility across devices and platforms.
Ensure easy and convenient usage for all users.
Improve Job Search Experience:
Enhance job search with advanced filters and personalized suggestions.
Provide detailed job descriptions for simplified assignment discovery.