NEW
CURRENT
+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. It is in its early stages with basic entry and learning/practicing pages. As a UX/UI designer, I improved the entire website by identifying over 10 usability issues through user testing and interviews, empathizing with user needs to add 20+ features, and designing a high-fidelity prototype. It resulted in a remarkable improvement: 60% increase in learning efficiency, a significant 35% boost in overall user satisfaction, and a 36.8% improvement in aesthetic satisfaction.
Time
2023 – 2024
Teammate
Developer: Dong Zhou
Tool
ChatGPT Figma Miro
Practice
Design System
UI & IxD Design
User-centered Design
The Improvement Goal
Evolve Alchemist into an engaging and user-friendly platform for algorithm and data structure learning and practicing.
How I Achieved this Goal?
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
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.
Users liked the clean UI.
Inconsistencies arose due to the lack of titles, tooltips, and other elements on some pages.
The experiences identified through user interviews and usability testing.
Users were unsure where to start or what actions to take.
Real-time interactive feedback has helped in understanding algorithms.
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.
Users' needs
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Clear, coherent concept explanations that are related to real-life scenarios will significantly help users understand abstract and complex concepts.
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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.
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Structured learning resources can help maintain their motivation and reduce the time of searching for right resources.
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Consistent practice opportunities helps reinforce learning and improve comprehension.
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Effective help ensures they overcome obstacles and stay on track with their learning goals.
30.8% of Users Want...
A fun or playful learning experience.