Many IELTS test takers face challenges in finding reliable and comprehensive resources to prepare for the exam.
They often struggle to identify their weak areas and lack guidance on how to improve their performance.
Additionally, the limited availability of expert feedback and personalized support hinders their progress.
Problem
Our objective is to become the go-to destination for IELTS test takers, providing them with all the necessary
resources, guidance, and support to achieve their desired scores. We strive to offer a one-stop solution that
simplifies the preparation process and enhances the overall experience.
The IELTSIR is a comprehensive platform designed to meet the needs of individuals preparing for the International
English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. Our application aims to provide a seamless and efficient
experience for IELTS test takers, offering a range of products and services to support their preparation journey.
Before the project officially started, I spent a day conducting a survey on the IELTS examination. The survey
revealed that in just one year, 2022, the number of people taking the IELTS exam has already exceeded three
million. This clearly indicates the enormous potential in the IELTS training market. Following that, I conducted
a comparative analysis of the three most popular IELTS learning platforms currently available in the market.
To my surprise, all of them had outdated study materials and features that are no longer suitable for effective
IELTS preparation. Therefore, I have ultimately decided to develop a brand-new IELTS learning platform
called IELTSIR.
Research
Key Points from Research:
Tailored learning:
Many existing IELTS learning platforms provide standardized materials, but research shows that learners benefit
more from personalized learning that considers their individual strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, IELTSIR
was designed to provide tailored education programs for users based on their English level and IELTS test goals.
Interactive and engaging materials:
Traditional IELTS learning materials such as word lists and grammar books can be dull and uninspiring. To address
this issue, IELTSIR was developed to provide interactive and engaging materials such as mock tests, videos, and
discussion forums that help learners stay motivated and engaged in their learning.
User-centered design:
User-centered design principles were used to ensure that the IELTSIR platform is easy to use and navigate for
learners of all skill levels. This involved conducting user testing and incorporating feedback from users at various
stages of the development process.
Objective
Overview
She starts to do speaking
practice
Set up her goals and test date
Record, save and post her practice
Reviews top university's info
She views forum and visits a user's homepage, then she posts her first post
view full prototype
Outcomes
Enhanced accessibility to reliable and comprehensive IELTS preparation resources.
Improved performance and scores for test takers through personalized feedback and guidance.
Building a supportive community where test takers can connect and learn from each other.
Adapting and expanding our offerings based on user feedback and industry trends to remain at the forefront of IELTS
preparation.
She goes to the practice page
She tries 4 sections practice
She goes to the course page to
find some lessons to learn
She login with her google account
She checks how to download
mock test system
She goes to the profile page to
change her personal information
User Journey:
Persona:
I will use a user journey to introduce you to the prototype of IELTSIR
Add a calendar feature to the platform to allow users to plan their study schedule.
Add more "Go Back" buttons to give users more freedom to navigate through the platform.
Use icons instead of letters (e.g., "W" and "S") to improve the visual design of the platform.
Add a password error page to notify users that their login credentials are incorrect.
Add a search bar or clearer filter to the writing page to make it more convenient for users to find essay topics.
Adjust the font size to improve readability, especially on the Community page.
Use one type of icon throughout the entire platform to avoid confusion and maintain consistency.
Increase the size of the terms and conditions selection on the login screen.
Add a personalized welcome message on the home screen to make the platform feel more welcoming.
Complete the IELTSIR computer-based exam system feature and remove any confusing buttons.
User Test Feedback Finding
Deliverables
I will use a user journey to introduce you to the prototype of IELTSIR
I selected 10 participants, 5 of whom are currently preparing for IELTS. They vary in age, language level and educational
background. We tested remotely using screen sharing and zoom conferencing tools.
I asked them to register and log in to IELTSIR as new users, and complete a whole learning process (listening,
speaking, reading, writing), find a course that suits them and book a trial class, and finally enter the forum to
discuss learning success with other users.
Registration and login:
· The user should be able to register and log in to the app without encountering any errors.
· The registration and login process should be intuitive and easy to understand.
Personalized study plan:
· The app should generate a personalized study plan based on the user's initial test results.
· The study plan should be easily accessible and easy to understand.
Course selection and trial class booking:
· The user should be able to find and select a course that suits their needs and preferences.
· The process of booking a trial class should be simple and streamlined.
Forum section:
· The forum section should encourage users to interact with each other and share learning experiences.
· The app should provide features to facilitate discussion and feedback among users.
Usability and user experience:
· The app should be easy to navigate and use.
· The app should be visually appealing and user-friendly.
· The user should be able to complete tasks within the app with minimal errors or confusion.
IELTSIR
Project Name:
IELTSIR
Project Name:
IELTSIR
Timeline:
Feb 2023 - Apr 2023
Tools Used:
Adobe XD/PS
Canva
Type of Project:
Mobile & Desktop
Application
My Role:
Product Design
User Research
UI/UX
Prototyping
Based on my target I draw four main Wireframes:
Wireframes
Goals
After confirming my decision to develop this project, I invited 20 IELTS candidates (15 who are preparing for IELTS and
5 who have taken the test) to participate in my survey. According to the survey results, I have summarized the four
major pain points of the IELTS learning platform:
The availability of reliable study materials and resources is limited.
Lack of personalized feedback and guidance.
Difficulty identifying and improving weak areas.
Isolation and lack of a supportive community.
Painpoint
Examples:
a. There are only four main functions
b. Cumbersome, more than half of the
features have no practical use
c. Materials are too scarce and outdated
User Test
I conducted usability testing on the prototype of our IELTS learning app, Ieltsir. The purpose of the testing was to
evaluate the app's functionality, usability, and overall user experience. I wanted to see how users interacted with
the app and identify any areas for improvement.