Process and Methodology

Overview

To develop the Algebra 1 Graphing Calculator, we followed an adapted version of Alan Cooper’s Goal-Directed Design process, which is widely used in industry and is well suited for new product development. In brief, this approach involves collecting data on the goals and behaviors of people in our target user population, distilling this data into personas and scenarios, brainstorming interaction designs to solve current problems and take advantage of design opportunities, then iteratively improving these designs through user tests and design reviews.

Note that although the diagram above implies a linear progression of process stages, our actual process was more of a series of parallel activities, with occasional returns to data analysis and design brainstorming activities to generate new ideas for pursuit later on in the project timeline.

Stages Summary

Initial Research – We conducted teacher interviews, classroom observations, focus groups, competitive analyses, student lifestyle studies, and reviews of Algebra textbooks and curriculum to identify our users’ real needs.

Data Analysis – We distilled our findings into personas, behavior patterns, and scenarios of use to guide our design efforts.

Sketching and Ideation – We conducted brainstorming sessions and sketched low fidelity mockups of design ideas, then held design critiques to analyze and improve the ideas.

Iterative Design – We developed working prototypes of our designs and conducted think-aloud usability studies with teachers and students and design reviews with teachers and educational technology experts.

Design Presentation – We integrated our work into a consolidated design and developed a scenario of use to communicate how real teachers and students would use this product.