Overview: The Baking Lab is a free online learning platform that educates self-taught bakers with no to moderate baking experience on the basics and science of baking.
Timeline: January 2024 - April 2024
Tools: Figma, Canva, Miro, Google Form, MS Office, Zoom
Role: Project Manager, UX Researcher, UX/UI Designer
UX Research
Background
This project idea stems from my personal experience as a self-taught baker.
Over the years, I relied on the trial-and-error method, experimenting with various online recipes until I have success with one. Having encountered numerous failed baking outcomes due to the lack of clear instructions and explanations in the recipes/video, I recognized the ineffectiveness of this learning method, particularly for self-taught bakers with no prior baking experience.
Without understanding the underlying baking principles, self-taught bakers struggled to identify the rationale behind their successes or failures.
Problem Definition
Online recipes and baking videos, though easily accessible, may feature unclear of even lack of instructions and explanations. This possibly contributes to failures and wastage of time and money, discouraging self-taught bakers to continue with their baking journey.
Research Goal
To understand the obstacles self-taught bakers encounter through exploring their typical learning routines and journeys, as well as the current learning resources.
Research Methodologies
Survey
The survey has a total of 15 respondents, who fall into the following criteria:
People who are interested in baking
People who are self-taught baker
People who possess experience in baking
All survey responses were collected through Google Form.
User Interviews
Out of the 15 survey respondents, 3 of them agreed to proceed to participate in the interview. While all 3 participants were self-taught bakers, it is notable that 1 of them was a beginner in baking.
The interviews were conducted remotely through Zoom.
Competitive Analysis
We have conducted analysis on 3 online baking education platform/website, including:
Deliciously Ella
Handle The Heat
MasterClass
The competitive analysis has helped inform the key features of the final prototype, which are detailed in the Solution section.
Research Findings
Common challenges faced by users
Unreliable learning resources
High cost of learning
Lack of structure in learning materials
Personas
UX Design
Project Goals
We have identified the business goals and user goals, and aligned the two of them to get a full picture of what our project goals should be.
Site Map
User Journey Map
Key Takeaways
Challenges
Incorporate gamification into the product design without distracting users the main purpose of the product
Design an onboarding experience that is not only clear and smooth, but also engaging in a way that can effectively capture users’ attention and encourage them to explore the product
Lesson Learned
When designing a learning product, follow the BOPPPS (Bridge-in, Outcomes, Pre-assessment, Participatory learning, Post-assessment, Summary) model for effective learning design.
Avoid using only infographics (e.g., levels) to indicate the technology usage when creating persona. Instead, explain what each level means
Solution
Description
The Baking Lab is a free online learning platform that educates self-taught bakers with no to moderate baking experience on the basics and science of baking.
Key features include:
Gamification - includes gems, lives, streaks and badges, which act as the source of learning motivation
Flashcard learning - breaks down learning content into digestible chunks, making it easier for learners to fit into their busy schedules
Learning paths - provides structured learning
Forum - fosters a sense of community and acts as source of learning motivation
Prototype
Success Criteria
To achieve monthly conversion rate of 10%
To achieve an average of 60% in Net Promoter Score in each month
To maintain user retention rate of 70%
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