Industry
EdTech
Scope
Product Design, MVP Defining, Design Handoff
Helping Students Learn Smarter: A Habit-Forming Test Prep App
Industry
EdTech
Scope
Product Design, MVP Defining, Design Handoff
Helping Students Learn Smarter: A Habit-Forming Test Prep App
Industry
EdTech
Scope
Product Design, MVP Defining, Design Handoff
Helping Students Learn Smarter: A Habit-Forming Test Prep App
Shaping a new product vision for Brainly’s global audience
At Brainly, a leading global learning platform with over 300 million students worldwide, we observed a critical shift in user behavior. While traditionally known for Q&A, students were increasingly searching for structured study materials like "unit test", "biology quiz", and "algebra test questions".
This indicated a strong unmet need for comprehensive test preparation tools beyond simple answer retrieval. Simultaneously, the company was strategically shifting from a passive Q&A model towards more structured, habit-forming learning experiences.
This presented a significant opportunity to redefine Brainly's value proposition and expand our impact. As a Senior Product Designer, I saw this as a chance to lead the design efforts for a new product that would directly address these emerging student needs and align with the company's long-term vision.
Shaping a new product vision for Brainly’s global audience
At Brainly, a leading global learning platform with over 300 million students worldwide, we observed a critical shift in user behavior. While traditionally known for Q&A, students were increasingly searching for structured study materials like "unit test", "biology quiz", and "algebra test questions".
This indicated a strong unmet need for comprehensive test preparation tools beyond simple answer retrieval. Simultaneously, the company was strategically shifting from a passive Q&A model towards more structured, habit-forming learning experiences.
This presented a significant opportunity to redefine Brainly's value proposition and expand our impact. As a Senior Product Designer, I saw this as a chance to lead the design efforts for a new product that would directly address these emerging student needs and align with the company's long-term vision.
Shaping a new product vision for Brainly’s global audience
At Brainly, a leading global learning platform with over 300 million students worldwide, we observed a critical shift in user behavior. While traditionally known for Q&A, students were increasingly searching for structured study materials like "unit test", "biology quiz", and "algebra test questions".
This indicated a strong unmet need for comprehensive test preparation tools beyond simple answer retrieval. Simultaneously, the company was strategically shifting from a passive Q&A model towards more structured, habit-forming learning experiences.
This presented a significant opportunity to redefine Brainly's value proposition and expand our impact. As a Senior Product Designer, I saw this as a chance to lead the design efforts for a new product that would directly address these emerging student needs and align with the company's long-term vision.
Scope
.
Our primary task was to design and launch a lightweight Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for test preparation that would:
Identify and address students' core needs.
Leverage AI to reduce content creation costs.
Significantly increase student engagement on the platform.
Boost user registrations and subscriptions.
My responsibilities as Senior Product Designer were extensive and split on areas, focusing on user centric approach and proper development strategy.
Scope
.
Our primary task was to design and launch a lightweight Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for test preparation that would:
Identify and address students' core needs.
Leverage AI to reduce content creation costs.
Significantly increase student engagement on the platform.
Boost user registrations and subscriptions.
My responsibilities as Senior Product Designer were extensive and split on areas, focusing on user centric approach and proper development strategy.
Scope
.
Our primary task was to design and launch a lightweight Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for test preparation that would:
Identify and address students' core needs.
Leverage AI to reduce content creation costs.
Significantly increase student engagement on the platform.
Boost user registrations and subscriptions.
My responsibilities as Senior Product Designer were extensive and split on areas, focusing on user centric approach and proper development strategy.
Discovery & Research
Leading desk research, competitive benchmarking against platforms like Quizlet, Khan Academy, and Chegg – identifying gaps in their offerings related to integration with user context and homework history.
This also involved supporting the UX Research team in student and teacher interviews.
Discovery & Research
.
Leading desk research, competitive benchmarking against platforms like Quizlet, Khan Academy, and Chegg – identifying gaps in their offerings related to integration with user context and homework history.
This also involved supporting the UX Research team in student and teacher interviews.
Discovery & Research
.
Leading desk research, competitive benchmarking against platforms like Quizlet, Khan Academy, and Chegg – identifying gaps in their offerings related to integration with user context and homework history.
This also involved supporting the UX Research team in student and teacher interviews.
Product
Busuu
Quizlet
Duolingo
Khan Academy
Study Planner
Drops
Babbel
$
Free / Paid
Trial / Paid
Free / Paid
Free
Paywall
Paywall
Paywall
Grade Specific
Science Specific
Study Plan
Study Planner
Ideation & Concept Development
Translating research insights into actionable design concepts, focusing on a fast, focused quiz experience connected to real school challenges. This also involved collaborating closely with Product and Delivery Managers to define the strategic blueprint for rapid hypothesis validation.
Ideation & Concept Development
.
Translating research insights into actionable design concepts, focusing on a fast, focused quiz experience connected to real school challenges. This also involved collaborating closely with Product and Delivery Managers to define the strategic blueprint for rapid hypothesis validation.
Ideation & Concept Development
.
Translating research insights into actionable design concepts, focusing on a fast, focused quiz experience connected to real school challenges. This also involved collaborating closely with Product and Delivery Managers to define the strategic blueprint for rapid hypothesis validation.
User Flow
Collaborating with developers and the product owner to define the end-to-end user journey, including onboarding (subject selection, file upload, exam date), question review, practice mode, instant feedback, and results display.
This process also involved proactively identifying edge cases, technical limitations, and potential risks.
User Flow
.
Collaborating with developers and the product owner to define the end-to-end user journey, including onboarding (subject selection, file upload, exam date), question review, practice mode, instant feedback, and results display.
This process also involved proactively identifying edge cases, technical limitations, and potential risks.
User Flow
.
Collaborating with developers and the product owner to define the end-to-end user journey, including onboarding (subject selection, file upload, exam date), question review, practice mode, instant feedback, and results display.
This process also involved proactively identifying edge cases, technical limitations, and potential risks.
Prototyping & User Testing
Developing interactive prototypes and supporting rigorous user testing with high school teachers and students in the US to validate hypotheses, uncover usability issues, and gain insights.
Prototyping & User Testing
.
Developing interactive prototypes and supporting rigorous user testing with high school teachers and students in the US to validate hypotheses, uncover usability issues, and gain insights.
Prototyping & User Testing
.
Developing interactive prototypes and supporting rigorous user testing with high school teachers and students in the US to validate hypotheses, uncover usability issues, and gain insights.
Process
.
My approach was rooted in a user-centered design philosophy, emphasizing rapid iteration and strong cross-functional collaboration. We faced the challenge of designing effective learning experiences for students that facilitate memory and material retention, all under tight deadlines.
Process
.
My approach was rooted in a user-centered design philosophy, emphasizing rapid iteration and strong cross-functional collaboration. We faced the challenge of designing effective learning experiences for students that facilitate memory and material retention, all under tight deadlines.
Process
.
My approach was rooted in a user-centered design philosophy, emphasizing rapid iteration and strong cross-functional collaboration. We faced the challenge of designing effective learning experiences for students that facilitate memory and material retention, all under tight deadlines.
Problem Identification
Our research revealed that students struggled with exam anxiety, the time-consuming process of building study materials, and a lack of motivation and planning.
A key insight was that over 40% of students were already using Brainly for test preparation, but "just wanted to know what to review without guessing where to start".
Problem Identification
.
Our research revealed that students struggled with exam anxiety, the time-consuming process of building study materials, and a lack of motivation and planning.
A key insight was that over 40% of students were already using Brainly for test preparation, but "just wanted to know what to review without guessing where to start".
Problem Identification
.
Our research revealed that students struggled with exam anxiety, the time-consuming process of building study materials, and a lack of motivation and planning.
A key insight was that over 40% of students were already using Brainly for test preparation, but "just wanted to know what to review without guessing where to start".
Information Architecture
We identified a unique opportunity to deliver a fast, focused quiz experience that deeply integrates with students' real-world school challenges, a clear differentiator from competitors offering generic content or paywalls.
To capitalize on this, I initiated the definition of a streamlined and intuitive information architecture.
This foundational taxonomy for test preparation was meticulously designed to align with subjects, dates, student grade levels, and user navigation behaviors, ensuring a personalized and relevant learning journey.
Information Architecture
.
We identified a unique opportunity to deliver a fast, focused quiz experience that deeply integrates with students' real-world school challenges, a clear differentiator from competitors offering generic content or paywalls.
To capitalize on this, I initiated the definition of a streamlined and intuitive information architecture.
This foundational taxonomy for test preparation was meticulously designed to align with subjects, dates, student grade levels, and user navigation behaviors, ensuring a personalized and relevant learning journey.
Information Architecture
.
We identified a unique opportunity to deliver a fast, focused quiz experience that deeply integrates with students' real-world school challenges, a clear differentiator from competitors offering generic content or paywalls.
To capitalize on this, I initiated the definition of a streamlined and intuitive information architecture.
This foundational taxonomy for test preparation was meticulously designed to align with subjects, dates, student grade levels, and user navigation behaviors, ensuring a personalized and relevant learning journey.
MVP-First Mindset
We adopted a phased release approach (30% exploration, 60% design, 90% handoff) to simplify deliverables and rapidly validate our hypotheses.
This allowed us to launch an MVP in just 6 weeks, which was crucial given the tight timelines.
MVP-First Mindset
.
We adopted a phased release approach (30% exploration, 60% design, 90% handoff) to simplify deliverables and rapidly validate our hypotheses.
This allowed us to launch an MVP in just 6 weeks, which was crucial given the tight timelines.
MVP-First Mindset
.
We adopted a phased release approach (30% exploration, 60% design, 90% handoff) to simplify deliverables and rapidly validate our hypotheses.
This allowed us to launch an MVP in just 6 weeks, which was crucial given the tight timelines.
Iterative User Tests
I led the creation of various prototypes (low-fi wireframes to hi-fi UI views) and took supportive part of user testing sessions.
Early testing revealed issues with the onboarding flow (students struggling to understand the feature and its mechanics) and exam date input fields (users abandoning due to difficulty in adding dates).
We also observed issues with protected documents preventing uploads. These insights directly informed our design iterations.
Iterative User Tests
.
I led the creation of various prototypes (low-fi wireframes to hi-fi UI views) and took supportive part of user testing sessions.
Early testing revealed issues with the onboarding flow (students struggling to understand the feature and its mechanics) and exam date input fields (users abandoning due to difficulty in adding dates).
We also observed issues with protected documents preventing uploads. These insights directly informed our design iterations.
Iterative User Tests
.
I led the creation of various prototypes (low-fi wireframes to hi-fi UI views) and took supportive part of user testing sessions.
Early testing revealed issues with the onboarding flow (students struggling to understand the feature and its mechanics) and exam date input fields (users abandoning due to difficulty in adding dates).
We also observed issues with protected documents preventing uploads. These insights directly informed our design iterations.
Personalized Study Plan
We developed a web application featuring a simple flashcard-style review, an AI-based quiz creation system using user-provided materials, and a smart logging system to guide students through their learning journey (e.g., "Remembered", "Repeat again", "Take a break").
A key innovation was the automatic generation of daily study schedules, which students highly valued because it reduced their planning effort.
Personalized Study Plan
.
We developed a web application featuring a simple flashcard-style review, an AI-based quiz creation system using user-provided materials, and a smart logging system to guide students through their learning journey (e.g., "Remembered", "Repeat again", "Take a break").
A key innovation was the automatic generation of daily study schedules, which students highly valued because it reduced their planning effort.
Personalized Study Plan
.
We developed a web application featuring a simple flashcard-style review, an AI-based quiz creation system using user-provided materials, and a smart logging system to guide students through their learning journey (e.g., "Remembered", "Repeat again", "Take a break").
A key innovation was the automatic generation of daily study schedules, which students highly valued because it reduced their planning effort.
Design Handoff
Together with another designer, I meticulously prepared detailed handoff documentation, organized by release, to ensure smooth developer implementation. This included a comprehensive Figma structure with clear statuses for each release milestone.
Design Handoff
.
Together with another designer, I meticulously prepared detailed handoff documentation, organized by release, to ensure smooth developer implementation. This included a comprehensive Figma structure with clear statuses for each release milestone.
Design Handoff
.
Together with another designer, I meticulously prepared detailed handoff documentation, organized by release, to ensure smooth developer implementation. This included a comprehensive Figma structure with clear statuses for each release milestone.
Results
.
The initial release of the Test Prep feature yielded highly promising results, validating its impact and establishing a strong foundation for future development.
Results
.
The initial release of the Test Prep feature yielded highly promising results, validating its impact and establishing a strong foundation for future development.
Results
.
The initial release of the Test Prep feature yielded highly promising results, validating its impact and establishing a strong foundation for future development.
87%
Strong Completion Rate
High engagement and intuitive flow led to strong quiz completion.
87%
Strong Completion Rate
High engagement and intuitive flow led to strong quiz completion.
87%
Strong Completion Rate
High engagement and intuitive flow led to strong quiz completion.
+100K
Added Question
Users contributed 100K+ questions, showing strong content activity.
+100K
Added Question
Users contributed 100K+ questions, showing strong content activity.
+100K
Added Question
Users contributed 100K+ questions, showing strong content activity.
+20K
Test Preps Created
Over 20K test preps launched in 6 weeks – clear user interest.
+20K
Test Preps Created
Over 20K test preps launched in 6 weeks – clear user interest.
+20K
Test Preps Created
Over 20K test preps launched in 6 weeks – clear user interest.
82%
High Customer Satisfaction
82% satisfaction score from beta users with a positive trend.
82%
High Customer Satisfaction
82% satisfaction score from beta users with a positive trend.
82%
High Customer Satisfaction
82% satisfaction score from beta users with a positive trend.
Lesson
.
This project was a meaningful journey filled with both creative challenges and countless details to manage.
What I learned above all is that a highly motivated and collaborative team can achieve outstanding results — even under tight deadlines. Building mutual trust and giving space to others to do their best work made a real difference.
Designing for students, particularly those aged 12–16, unequivocally demands empathy, clarity, and an unwavering focus on simplicity. This core lesson – to always ensure experiences feel intuitive and focused – became a guiding principle in every design decision and stakeholder conversation.
Personally, I gained several key takeaways from this project: speak up early, ask for feedback from teammates, share your thinking openly, and take initiative when pressure is high.
Lesson
.
This project was a meaningful journey filled with both creative challenges and countless details to manage.
What I learned above all is that a highly motivated and collaborative team can achieve outstanding results — even under tight deadlines. Building mutual trust and giving space to others to do their best work made a real difference.
Designing for students, particularly those aged 12–16, unequivocally demands empathy, clarity, and an unwavering focus on simplicity. This core lesson – to always ensure experiences feel intuitive and focused – became a guiding principle in every design decision and stakeholder conversation.
Personally, I gained several key takeaways from this project: speak up early, ask for feedback from teammates, share your thinking openly, and take initiative when pressure is high.
Lesson
.
This project was a meaningful journey filled with both creative challenges and countless details to manage.
What I learned above all is that a highly motivated and collaborative team can achieve outstanding results — even under tight deadlines. Building mutual trust and giving space to others to do their best work made a real difference.
Designing for students, particularly those aged 12–16, unequivocally demands empathy, clarity, and an unwavering focus on simplicity. This core lesson – to always ensure experiences feel intuitive and focused – became a guiding principle in every design decision and stakeholder conversation.
Personally, I gained several key takeaways from this project: speak up early, ask for feedback from teammates, share your thinking openly, and take initiative when pressure is high.
