The Ask
Tizisha Inc, an organization focused on transforming mobile learning, sought to implement an advanced digital content distribution and learner management platform. They approached Made to design and develop this solution, leveraging their expertise in user experience and mobile technology. The primary goal was to create a cutting-edge platform to distribute training content and manage learning efficiently while catering to the unique challenges of low internet connectivity across Africa.
The Observation
To effectively serve communities with limited internet connectivity, the platform needed a mobile-first approach and lightweight content distribution. This required a shift in the design and engineering mindset to accommodate users' constraints in various regions. Regular usability testing was identified as critical to ensure the solution remained inclusive and impactful, addressing user needs and challenges early in the development process.The Process
- User Research:
- Conducted UX research across 4 geographic regions in Kenya, from urban to rural areas, to understand the needs, aspirations, and challenges of target users.
- Solution Development:
- Developed a mobile app (Android), web app, creator dashboard, and admin dashboard for content management.
- Used Laravel, HTML5, and JavaScript for the management and creator dashboards, ensuring seamless integration and scalability.
- Usability Testing:
- Conducted two rounds of usability testing to gather user feedback early and refine the solution based on real user input.
- Technology Stack:
- Learning/Content Distribution App: Android
- Management Dashboard: Laravel, HTML5, JavaScript
- Creator Dashboard: Laravel, HTML5, JavaScript
- Web App: Laravel, HTML5, JavaScript
- Deployment: Amazon Web Services
- Database: MySQL
The Outcome
The newly developed Tizisha platform features a mobile-first design, optimized for regions with low connectivity. It enables content creation using customizable templates for text, images, videos, and PDFs that convert to slides, supporting versatile content distribution. Key functionalities include secure access controls, multiple content creators, and insightful analytics on course engagement. Additionally, assessment tools like quizzes help measure learner progress, while diverse content layouts keep learners engaged. The solution is currently in its second phase, focusing on real-user testing and feedback, with ongoing support from Made for further development and adoption.