Elevate Learning and Collaboration with uPivotal
uPivotal is not just an EdTech platform—it is a collaboration hub that enables institutions around the world to work together in fostering innovative solutions. It combines mentorship, project management, and structured learning to help students, career changers, and educators connect in meaningful ways.
As a UX Designer, I conducted in-depth user research to understand the motivations, pain points, and expectations of our diverse users. This research directly shaped key features such as goal mapping, project linking, and messaging functionalities, ensuring a seamless and impactful user experience.
Designed for Lifelong Learners and Industry Leaders
Whether you’re a student, an educator, or a working professional, uPivotal provides a dynamic environment where learning meets real-world application. Through interactive coursework, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities, the platform enables users to stay ahead of industry trends and build meaningful connections. With a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, uPivotal ensures that high-quality education is available to diverse audiences worldwide.
Background
In 2020, uPivotal aimed to expand its educational technology platform into Africa's fintech and financial services market, addressing the demand for secure, scalable learning solutions. The initiative focuses on enhancing collaboration among learners, educators, and industry professionals to empower users with relevant skills and career opportunities tailored to the region's needs.
uPivotal aims to address the gap between traditional education and the skills needed in the job market. Many learners face challenges in finding relevant, practical learning experiences that align with industry demands, leading to a disconnect between education and employment opportunities. Additionally, educators and industry professionals often struggle to connect effectively, limiting collaboration and mentorship.
Understanding the User: User Research for uPivotal
Research Process
1. Defining Research Goals
To ensure uPivotal met the needs of its users, our research focused on:
Understanding collaboration needs among institutions, faculty members, and students.
Identifying challenges users face in managing projects and linking them to learning objectives.
Exploring how mentorship and real-world projects can enhance the learning experience.
2. In-Depth User Interviews
I conducted interviews with professionals across different industries, including:
Educators – To understand how institutions collaborate on global initiatives.
Students – To uncover their struggles with goal-setting, mentorship, and project management.
Career Changers – To learn about the challenges of transitioning into new industries.
3. Institutional Visits & Problem Statement Videos
To gain deeper insights, we visited educational institutions and training centers. These visits helped us understand real-world learning environments, collaboration challenges, and institutional needs.
We also created problem statement videos, capturing firsthand feedback from users about:
The need for structured career guidance in online learning platforms.
The challenge of finding and collaborating on relevant projects.
The difficulty of tracking progress and linking learning to real-world applications.
4. Key Features Informed by Research
Goals Map Page
Purpose: Display goals and objectives for faculty members and students.
User Need Identified: Educators and students needed a structured way to set learning objectives and track their progress.
Impact: We designed an interactive Goals Map that visually represents learning paths and institutional objectives.
Project Linking Page
Purpose: Link projects to courses and view related goals and objectives.
User Need Identified: Students and faculty wanted a seamless way to connect coursework with real-world projects.
Impact: We created a feature that allows institutions to collaborate on projects, ensuring students gain practical experience while working toward academic goals.
Conversation Page
Purpose: Facilitate one-on-one messaging between users.
User Need Identified: Users needed a direct and efficient way to communicate with mentors, faculty, and collaborators.
Impact: We implemented a messaging system that allows seamless interactions, making mentorship and collaboration more accessible.
5. Usability Testing & Iteration
We conducted usability testing to validate these features. The insights gathered helped refine:
Navigation and accessibility for the Goals Map and Project Linking features.
Collaboration tools to ensure institutions can work together effectively.
Messaging functionality to improve engagement between users.
Impact of User Research
Our research-driven approach led to significant design improvements:
✔ A collaborative ecosystem where institutions and students can work together globally.
✔ A goal-mapping system that provides clear learning objectives and career pathways.
✔ A project management tool that seamlessly integrates with coursework.
✔ A mentorship and Conversation system that facilitates meaningful connections.
User Flow
Seamless Integration and Intelligent Learning Pathways
At the heart of uPivotal is a user-centric design that prioritizes engagement and efficiency. Advanced AI-driven personalization adapts learning content to individual preferences, providing a curated experience that maximizes knowledge retention and practical application. Integrated collaboration tools facilitate communication between mentors, peers, and organizations, creating a holistic learning ecosystem.
Identifying Key Challenges in Online Education
In an era where digital learning is more important than ever, many platforms struggle with engagement, accessibility, and real-world applicability. uPivotal addresses these challenges by:
Personalized Learning Experiences: Leveraging AI-driven insights to tailor content to individual users.
Real-World Application: Connecting learners with industry experts and mentors for practical learning opportunities.
Seamless Collaboration: Encouraging peer-to-peer and mentor-led interactions to enhance knowledge-sharing.
User Accessibility: Ensuring an inclusive learning experience with optimized navigation, adaptive learning modules, and multilingual support.
Resolving Complexity Through Innovation
Traditional education models often fall short in addressing the evolving needs of today’s learners. uPivotal streamlines the learning process by offering:
Skill-Based Learning Paths: A structured yet flexible approach to skill acquisition aligned with industry demands.
Interactive Content Formats: Video lectures, live Q&A sessions, and gamified learning modules for an engaging experience.
Industry Collaboration: Partnerships with leading organizations to provide certification programs and job placement opportunities.
A Platform Built for Growth and Impact
uPivotal is designed with scalability in mind, catering to individuals and institutions alike. Whether a user is upskilling for career advancement, an educator is creating engaging course material, or an organization is developing workforce training programs, uPivotal provides the tools needed to achieve learning goals efficiently.
Meeting the Needs of Modern Learners
Today’s learners seek more than just information—they desire meaningful engagement, practical applications, and a sense of community. uPivotal meets these expectations by offering:
Mentorship & Networking: Direct access to industry professionals for guidance and career growth.
Flexible Learning Models: Self-paced courses, live sessions, and hybrid learning opportunities.
Comprehensive Support Systems: Built-in discussion forums, real-time chat, and AI-powered study recommendations.
Conclusion
uPivotal isn’t just an EdTech platform; it’s a movement towards a more connected, efficient, and impactful learning experience. By integrating innovative technologies, fostering meaningful collaborations, and addressing the real challenges of modern education, uPivotal transforms the way knowledge is acquired and applied. With a focus on personalization, accessibility, and industry alignment, uPivotal empowers learners and educators to achieve their full potential, shaping the future of education one interaction at a time.
