Coursera App Redesign to Enhance Learner Retention
Why does it seem like most online course websites are designed to keep students away?
Many learners start with enthusiasm but drop off midway, often due to a lack of functionality and practicality in the course delivery platform. I have tried many different platforms, and most are almost the same. I've also heard from my friends that they have started courses but ended up dropping them and following YouTube tutorials. It's not a lack of interest in learning from people; Duolingo is doing a fantastic job at keeping students coming back to learn, and aside from the fun characters, it has to do with the reward section and the rewarding sounds. Not all companies want to look childish while retaining attention. But what's wrong with making the learning process a little more rewarding? To address this issue, I undertook a comprehensive redesign of the Coursera app, with no particular problem with Coursera; I think most online course apps and websites lack to make it more functional and practical to help new learners stick to their courses and complete them.
Problem statement
Despite the high enrollment numbers, online course apps faced a common issue: many students still need to complete their courses. I've heard from several sources that online course apps have anywhere between a 2-8% completion rate, indicating that these app designs could be more sufficiently engaging and supportive, leading to decreased motivation and higher dropout rates. The app needed redesigning to address these pain points and enhance the learning experience.
Primary Goal
Enhance learner retention by creating a more user-friendly and supportive learning environment within the Coursera app.
Key Outcomes
Reduce dropout rates, increase course completion rates, and improve overall user satisfaction.
Understanding the users
Understanding the competitors
Coursera operates in the highly competitive online education and e-learning industry. Some of its main competitors include:
1. edX: A prominent online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. Like Coursera, edX offers a wide range of courses from top universities and institutions, with options for professional certificates and MicroMasters programs.
2. Udacity: This company focuses on career-oriented "Nanodegree" programs in data science, artificial intelligence, and programming. It partners with industry leaders to offer hands-on learning experiences tailored to workforce demands.
3. Udemy: This is a giant online course marketplace where instructors worldwide can create and sell courses on various topics. Unlike Coursera, Udemy is not limited to university partnerships, which allows for a broader range of subjects and teaching styles.
4. LinkedIn Learning: This provider provides professional development courses on business, technology, and creative skills. It integrates with LinkedIn, allowing users to showcase their completed courses and certifications directly on their profiles.
5. FutureLearn is a UK-based platform offering courses, micro-credentials, and degrees from universities and institutions worldwide. It focuses on social learning and encourages interaction between learners.
6. Khan Academy: While primarily focused on K-12 education, Khan Academy offers a wide range of free educational content, particularly in subjects like math, science, and history. It's a significant competitor in the free online learning space.
7. Skillshare is an online learning platform that emphasizes creative and practical skills like design, photography, writing, and entrepreneurship. It operates on a subscription model and offers unlimited access to its courses.
8. Pluralsight specializes in technology and software development courses, providing advanced learning paths and skill assessments for tech industry professionals.
9. Codecademy: Focused on teaching coding and computer science, Codecademy offers interactive, hands-on learning experiences for users looking to develop programming skills.
10. Simplilearn: Offers online boot camps and certification courses in technology, digital marketing, and project management, often in partnership with leading universities and companies.
Each of these platforms has strengths, such as course variety, pricing models, and industry partnerships, that make it a strong competitor in the online education market.
Defining objectives
Streamlined Navigation:
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Simplified the app's layout to make it more intuitive.
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Introduced a clear, step-by-step course roadmap to guide learners through their journey.
Enhanced Motivation Features:
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Integrated gamification elements such as badges, progress bars, and milestones to provide a sense of achievement.
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Added personalized reminders and encouragement messages to keep learners motivated.
Improved Progress Tracking:
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Developed a comprehensive dashboard where learners can easily track their progress, see upcoming tasks, and review completed modules.
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Implemented predictive analytics to provide tailored recommendations and next steps based on individual progress.
Design process
To kick off the design process, I sketched rough site map using sticky notes, allowing me to map out the app's functionality and user flow visually. This hands-on approach helped me quickly iterate and organize ideas, ensuring a clear and intuitive structure. Once I had a solid foundation, I defined the Information Architecture, meticulously detailing each section and its relationship to the overall user experience. With the Information Architecture in place, I began designing the app, translating the conceptual wireframes into a cohesive and visually appealing interface that aligned with the project's goals.
Wireframes and Information Architecture
UI Design
The new design created a more engaging and supportive learning environment by focusing on functionality, motivation, progress tracking, and interactivity. This focus underscores the importance of user-centric design in educational platforms and demonstrates how thoughtful enhancements can significantly improve learner retention and success.
