Blackboard
Creating a universal experience for students and faculty alike.
Duration
Jan - May 2025
Team
Leecy Cruz, Thomas Nichols, Tessa Le, Caitlin Pichette
Scope
Heuristic evaluation (solo), user research (group), prototype (solo)
Tools
Figma
The Problem
Blackboard lacks a standardized course layout. Since each professor structures their course differently, this often leads to confusion and difficulty navigating course materials. Professors who are less comfortable with technology often struggle with setting up courses due to Blackboard’s overly complicated customization interface. In addition, Blackboard’s visual design is often perceived as outdated and unappealing to students.
Experience Map
User Research + Interviews
To gather information about our users, we conducted a survey as well as scheduled interviews. Our survey consisted of 20 questions and was shared among the class and via social media. For our interviews, each group member invited 1-2 people to do live interviews over zoom about their experiences using Blackboard.
Persona
Meet Franklin, a Biology major at Lesley. Like many college students, he often struggles navigating through his courses on Blackboard. Each of Franklin’s professors has set up their course page differently, which often leads to him spending extra time trying to find specific pages.
Journey Map
Competitive Analysis
Site Map
Flowmap Draft
Sketches
Student Dashboard
Week 12 - Assignment overview + submission
BIO 320 - Home
BIO 320 - Grades
Week 12 - Class reading(s)
Student Profile
Week 12 - Discussion Board
Settings
Wireframes
Student Dashboard
BIO 320 - Home
Week 12 - Class reading(s)
Week 12 - Discussion Board
Week 12 - Assignment overview + submission
BIO 320 - Grades
Student Profile
Settings
Final Prototype
Insights
To be added