How to add value to tons of content

  • UI Design

  • User research

  • Responsive layouts

  • Accessibility & localisation review

  • Update and expand pattern library

Client Pearson Publishing

Sector Publishing & education

Duration 8 months



Introduction

Pearson are one of the biggest publishers in the world, and arguably the biggest e-learning provider. A tool that allows Pearson staff to take existing content and align it with learning objectives could be very powerful. The more objectives the more valuable the content, the easier to utilise and share with Pearson customers.

I was hired to review the current platform - LOMT (Learning Objective Management Tool), to reduce friction and pain points, conduct and act on user research.

“Your designs and work have been absolutely critical to the progress we have made.”
— James Kenwood, Director, Pearson

The main outcome of user interviews was that the tool needed to manage and display dense amounts of information, as users wanted to see as much data as possible while using relatively small desktop PC screens. This desire reflected their previous offline workflow, and it was important that we did not throw out the baby with the bathwater and discard elements that worked for them. This also lent familiarity to the new tool. As a result, I moved elements closer to each other, while retaining the space for the page to be legible.

Dashboard and Alignment screens

Outcomes

  1. Clear rise in stakeholder engagement. I led a series of interviews with the director to align business goals, and the two product owners for their general feedback and suggestions.

  2. Championing of accessibility in the business, and I worked closely with developers to ensure we met AA standards.

  3. Alignment of the product with the other publishing tools being built and the maturing pattern library.

  4. Increased user engagement and trust: I arranged user interviews (in person and google hangout). This encouraged informal feedback and enhanced the reputation of the product.

  5. Successful migration to google’s Material Design pattern library.

  6. Presented the product to leaders across Pearson, to advocate the design and the benefits of good UX practices.

  7. Implemented a warm and friendly style across the tool: the tone of the platform, error messages especially were often robotic and only helpful to ‘super-users’. I initiated changing these to a more informative, accessible text.

  8. I mentored a UX designer based in New York.

  9. Led a team audit of the full suite of internal publishing tools at Pearson.

I added a stepper to the workflow of adding a report, a hit with stakeholders and users

 

My review highlighted the following issues: 1. The expandable area below the page title was overlooked - replaced with clear call to action. 2. Filters were taking up too much screen space - no closed by default. 3. New table row design, easier to scan with clear call to action, less cramped.