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NEW

OLD

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+60% learning efficiency.  +35% usability satisfaction.   +36.8% aesthetic satisfaction.

Alchemist Improvement

Alchemist is a website that enhances algorithm and data structure learning for developers, CS students, and job seeker through real-time interactive visuals, making complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable.

Practice Areas: User-Centered Design, UI & IxD Design, Design System

Tools: Figma, ChatGPT, Miro, Midjourney

Team: Developer

The Improvement Goal

Evolve Alchemist into an engaging and user-friendly platform for algorithm and data structure learning and practicing.

Problems: The initial version of Alchemist had a clean UI and interactive visuals. However, it struggled to help users understand and practically apply abstract concepts. Additionally, the absence of signup and user profile pages hindered the overall learning experience.

Solutions: Identified and improved over 10 usability issues through user testing and interviews. Integrated 20+ features that enhance learning flows and increase playfulness.

Results: 60% increase in learning efficiency, a significant 35% boost in overall user satisfaction, and a 36.8% improvement in aesthetic satisfaction.

New Design

Old Version

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Ensure Easy Navigation

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Inconvenient Navigation

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* Click to play and pause the videos

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Efficient & Joyful Learning

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Confused Learning

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* Click to play and pause the videos

New Features Support Study Experience

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How I Achieved that?

Identify current website usability issues.

Understanding users'struggles  and needs.​

Figure out the proper solutions.

Iteratively design

Senario solutions

Unique features

Users' wants

Problem Statement

Current Experience.

Confusing & Inconsistent & Unintuitive & Inefficient

Positive Experience

Negative Experience

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No access for searching a specific problem.

Crowded problem

cards caused dizziness.

The hamburger menu icon for the filter caused confusion.

Users liked the multi-select feature.

Users had to back to the filter board to edit their selections was inefficient.

Insufficient information was provided for users to grasp the knowledge and apply concepts to real-world problems.

The interaction was unintuitive, requiring users to engage in extra cognitive effort to accomplish tasks.

Inconsistencies arose due to the lack of titles, tooltips, and other elements on some pages.

Users were unsure where to start or what actions to take.

Real-time interactive feedback has helped in understanding algorithms.

Users liked the clean UI.

The experiences identified through user interviews and usability testing.

The biggest problem was that Alchemist didn't provide an efficient learning flow.

Understanding

Users' struggles, needs, & real wants

Through my immersive research which included digital exploration, a survey that captured 13 precious responses, and heartfelt conversations with users, I found that users face numerous challenges from grasping concepts to applying them in real-world scenarios, the struggles born from The inherent complexity and abstraction of concepts. Users also find it hard to stay motivated with a vast array of problems to learn. Moreover, limited time, difficulty finding the right resources, and a lack of guidance add to their struggles.

Code every day

Keep a consistent amount every day, make it a habit, accumulate over time.

Honestly more examples would have helped me learn better and a step by step line explanation.

If you can explain the fundamentals coherently , then you are providing valuable information found nowhere else.

Give all the knowledge I need to my brain at once.

30.8% of Users Want...

A fun or playful learning experience. 

Users' needs

  • Clear, coherent concept explanations that are related to real-life scenarios will significantly help users understand abstract and complex concepts.

  • Real-world application cases are crucial for understanding how to apply algorithms and data structures to practical situations, aligning with users' work requirements and motivating their learning.

  • Structured learning resources can help maintain their motivation and reduce the time of searching for right resources.

  • Consistent practice opportunities helps reinforce learning and improve comprehension. 

  • Effective help ensures they overcome obstacles and stay on track with their learning goals.