“I don’t want to study at home, but I never know where to go.”
03/15/23, Johanna Leth,
Engineering Student, UCSF San Francisco
image: Viktoria Leth
“I don’t want to study at home, but I never know where to go.”
03/15/23, Johanna Leth,
Engineering Student, UCSF San Francisco
image: Viktoria Leth
“I think it is hard to find a place to study out of home that fills up my expectations, such as silence and space. Also, I don’t have time to research, so I just end up staying at home.”
03/15/23, Maria Ben,
Human Resources Student, Madrid University
image: Viktoria Leth
“I think it is hard to find a place to study out of home that fills up my expectations, such as silence and space. Also, I don’t have time to research, so I just end up staying at home.”
03/15/23, Maria Ben,
Human Resources Student, Madrid University
image: Viktoria Leth
The process
Let's explore the various stages of the project, from the initial concept to the final outcome.
Research
Understand user’s needs through research.
Define
Problem statement based on user insights.
Design
The creation of visual designs, including tests improving the system.
Defining the user
Urban and tech-savvy students aged 18-30, primarily undergraduates and graduates, seek cost-effective and efficient study solutions. They value convenience, utilize digital tools for information and networking, and are keen on innovative approaches to meet their social and study needs.
Resource Article: Why students are struggling to find study spots
"I need a comfortable and quiet place where I can focus on my studies”
Name Lina
Age 28
Occupation Student
Status Single
Location New York
Salary 20k
Tilda
The Quiet Achiever
Image
Prefers very quiet, private spots that feels like being home, even though it’s not.
Wants to find a place that is comfortable, quiet, easily accessible and allows her to concentrate on her studies.
Struggles in finding places out of home that are not too noisy, and at the same time has comfortable seating. It should feel like home.
Wants to find a place that is comfortable, quiet, easily accessible and allows her to concentrate on her studies.
Struggles in finding places out of home that are not too noisy, and at the same time has comfortable seating. It should feel like home.
Key areas to understand
Why do students need to find study locations?
What are students' preferences for study locations?
What are some current tools students are using to find study locations?
What are the main problems students are facing today when studying or finding a study location?
Where should students study?
According to a survey conducted by Steelcase Education, 85% of college students prefer to study in groups rather than alone.
According to a survey conducted by Barnes & Noble College, 58% of college students prefer to study in coffee shops or cafes.
According to a survey conducted by Barnes & Noble College, 58% of college students prefer to study in coffee shops or cafes.
A study by the University of Toronto found that green spaces (e.g. parks) can help improve mental health and reduce stress levels, which can be important for students who are under a lot of academic pressure.
The American Society of Interior Designers reports that students who study in spaces with good chairs and workstations experience less discomfort and are able to study for longer periods of time.
Interview with students
Questions
Can you describe your ideal study environment?
What features would you value most in an app designed to help you find study spaces?
What equipment do you need when you are studying?
Is the opportunity to meet and study with others important to you in a study space, and if so, how?
What are the biggest challenges you face when looking for a new place to study?
What changes or improvements would you like to see in the way you find and utilize study spaces in the future?
How do you currently find study spaces?
Do you have any suggestions on what I should include in the app?
Affinity Map
Ask friends
for suggestions.
Stay in school.
Google cafes etc.
Check social media for student groups.
Go to libraries.
Walk around in the city and look for places.
Difficulty finding places matching my preferences.
Many spots are too
far away.
Inconsistent Wi-Fi.
Many spots can be
too crowded.
Noisy environments making concentration hard.
No power outlets.
Difficulty finding places matching my preferences.
Many spots are too
far away.
Inconsistent Wi-Fi.
Many spots can be
too crowded.
Noisy environments making concentration hard.
No power outlets.
Find close-by
study spots.
Have powerful wifi.
Have power outlets.
Being able to connect with others.
View current and accurate reviews.
Detailed info on study spot amenities.
Find close-by
study spots.
Have powerful wifi.
Have power outlets.
Being able to connect with others.
View current and accurate reviews.
Detailed info on study spot amenities.
See a map pointing
out places.
Include a filter for the search function.
A chat function where you can connect.
Be able to rate places.
Provide detailed descriptions and photos.
Being able to save favorite places.
Can you describe your ideal study environment?
What features would you value most in an app designed to help you find study spaces?
What equipment do you need when you are studying?
Is the opportunity to meet and study with others important to you in a study space, and if so, how?
What are the biggest challenges you face when looking for a new place to study?
What changes or improvements would you like to see in the way you find and utilize study spaces in the future?
How do you currently find study spaces?
Do you have any suggestions on what I should include in the app?
Research and pain points
Based on the research and discovers, these points were kept in mind when moving on to creating the app.
Personalized Search and Filtering
Students have varied preferences for their ideal study environments, highlighting the importance of personalized search options. Including filters for factors like noise levels, available amenities, and location proximity will help users find the perfect study spot more efficiently.
Social Connection Opportunities
Some students prefer studying with others, so the app should include features that help people connect. Adding a chat function, letting users see who else is studying at a spot, or creating group study opportunities will make the app more social.
Comprehensive Information and Reviews
Detailed information about study spots, including photos, descriptions, and user reviews, is important to students. Implementing features that allow users to share their experiences and rate study spots will provide valuable insights for other users.
Wireframes
medium fidelity wireframes
Search . Current Location
Hi Viktoria,
Let’s find a StudySpot!
2 New Montgomery Street, SF
Palace Hotel is an excellent choice for a study place, as it offers several features that can help you focus and be productive. Firstly, the hotel lobby is typically quiet, which means you can study without distractions. Secondly, the comfortable seating and tables in the lobby provide an excellent study environment, allowing you to sit and work for hours without feeling uncomfortable.
1020 Bush Street, San Francisco
Palace Hotel is a perfect study place because it's quiet, comfortable, well-lit, and offers free Wi-Fi!
SF Public Library is a perfect study place because it's quiet, well-lit, and offers free Wi-Fi!
1020 Bush Street, San Francisco
Palace Hotel is a perfect study place because it's quiet, comfortable, well-lit, and offers free Wi-Fi!
SF Public Library is a perfect study place because it's quiet, well-lit, and offers free Wi-Fi!
1020 Bush Street, San Francisco
Palace Hotel is a perfect study place because it's quiet, comfortable, well-lit, and offers free Wi-Fi!
SF Public Library is a perfect study place because it's quiet, well-lit, and offers free Wi-Fi!
"The screen feels unorganized and it is hard to know which spot is which.”
04/10-23, Tilda Swensson,
Engineering student, University of Lund
Solution
- Dividing the different spots in various boxes.
- Summarizing the information and add "more info".
- Sort the list, including an option the chose how to sort.
Component Library
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and ease.
The logo represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and balance.
The icons represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
The logo represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and balance.
The typography represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
The colors represents what my brand is all about - simplicity, positivity and optimism.
The icons represents what my brand is all about - simplicity and easy to understand.
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
1234567890-=!@#$%^&*()_+
Takeaways
When developing the Study Spot Finder app, I realized that simplicity and efficiency was key. A straightforward and clear design ensures that users can navigate the app smoothly. Clear visuals are crucial as they allow students to quickly identify ideal study locations, saving valuable time. By offering real-time information on study spots, including for example user ratings, the app helps students to find the perfect place to study with minimal effort. Also, I learned that a map showing different places is very helpful, because that helps get a bigger picture of the places offered.
When developing the Study Spot Finder app, I realized that simplicity and efficiency was key. A straightforward and clear design ensures that users can navigate the app smoothly. Clear visuals are crucial as they allow students to quickly identify ideal study locations, saving valuable time. By offering real-time information on study spots, including for example user ratings, the app helps students to find the perfect place to study with minimal effort. Also, I learned that a map showing different places is very helpful, because that helps get a bigger picture of the places offered.
