UX/UI Design

Compose - still in progress

Project
GPM was engaged to have a look at the usability of the current Compose website that has been developed for Higher Education with the goal of implementing a version for Secondary Education. Although the expectation was to make a few minor adjustments, several larger issues came to light throughout the course of interviews with people who use the product.

What is Compose? What does it do?
Compose is an online resource management tool. It is designed for course instructors/lecturers to collate a customised text book for their students/subjects. They can use any material from the suite of Cengage products. They also have the ability to add their own content as well as a customised cover.

Vision
To create a custom/collaborative solution for customers with specific (customised) requirements.

Product development journey
To understand Compose we looked at the current website for HE, made some customised books ourselves, we conducted user sessions with other staff members with no exposure to the product and we documented the process. We made some assumptions, put together a journey map and captured our actions which included: motivations, any questions along the way, emotions, painpoints, peoples satisfaction and recommendtations. We did this with the purpose of making comparissons with the journeys of Learning Consultants, Teachers and anyone else who is involved in the process.
A task audit was also undertaken which covered all areas including: Entry point, Navigation, Searching, Building a book, the process and painpoints.

Competitor analysis/research best practice
We wanted to see what other products were currently in the market and we found three comparable products.

We also did some research on best practice for several sections such as the how people search and the filter, advanced search, wishlists, contact us and general layout.

Talking to the Learning Consultants (users)
To gain the most valuable insights we could, we interviewed several Learning Consultants. Each interview took around 30 minutes to one hour. We interviewed in person and by phone. We are looking to interview teachers to gain more insights.

"As an educator... I would like to be able to easily create personalised, afordable content specific to my course within a certain timeframe”

“As an LC... I would like to be able to smoothly lock in a deal that is making the company a profit but also satisfying all of the customers needs with all of the latest titles available as soon as possibe”

“As a production controller... I would like to be able to easily check project information and confirm prices and times to the others involved in the project”

“As a custom administrator... I would like to be able to have smoother form creation processes and better communication on order amounts with bookstore/educators”

Analysis and pain points overview
We have collated our findings, written a report.

Next steps
Put together wireframes for testing.
Test, iterate, test.
Mock ups and description of functionality for quote from developer.