Team
Duration
Role
Tools
The problem space
The opportunity
If there's one thing AI is known for, it's its ability to tailor to individual users. A lack of personalized learning has been a long standing critique of existing education systems, and Artificial Intelligence can offer customization to an otherwise standardized educational experience.
Competitive analysis
While Grammarly provides instant feedback, this serve as a quick bandage fix instead of a solution aimed to provide insight to why Grammarly recommends them to fix their grammar in the first place.
In addition, Khan Academy and Duolingo currently provide limited depth in advanced topics. If their AI feature is based on user-generated content, such as Quizlet, the responses may not be accurate either.
Problem statement
Key insights
Insight #1: Technology as a crutch
There is a need for an engaging and interactive way to learn new concepts, not just an answer machine.
Insight #2: Active learning
Tangible learning—learning via practicing, discussing, and doing—is become more and more scarce with the introduction of digital shortcuts.
Ideating
Design direction
Applicable to a wide range of education levels, situations, and environments.
Avoiding overloading students with excessive information, and making the environment approachable.
Provides useful, tailored responses rather than a straightforward quick-fix
Integrating AI
To prevent problems demonstrated by competitors, such as inaccurate responses or a lack of depth, Artificial Intelligence is utilized behind the scenes. As a result, our AI is adaptable; it pays attention to whenever discussions have run into roadblocks. If someone is not contributing or the group as a whole is silent, it will proactively suggest an group activity based on the situation.
Design system
In order to engage with students as much as possible, we opted for a fun, approachable and welcoming design to complement our activites.
Final design!
Our fun, multi-phone, interactive way to properly collaborate with other students in discussion groups using AI. And if you'd like, feel free to check out our prototype below, or scroll more to view our in-depth features!
Design features
Each student opens Ripple and puts their phone next to each others at the middle of the table to join a study jam. To start the session, say, "Hey Ripple, are you listening?" to have Ripple's AI paying attention to the discussion.
Design features
Depending on if your discussion needs to be balanced or supported, Ripple will suggest different activites for your group's needs. These activites are aasy-to-learn, gamified, and are team-based!
Design features
Ripple's multi-phone interface enforces a collaboration environment while providing an opportunity to avoid distractions from our addictive phones. They become a tool for learning rather than a source of distraction.
Design features
Ripple can adapt to different education levels as it only makes suggestions based on the group's needs. As a result, students of any age can take advantage of Ripple! Each session ensures continual engagement throughout group discussion and decision-making, and also encourages groups to work through their challenges, rather than providing the "right" answer.
Reflection
Ripple was a really fun and unique project to take on! While we originally just wanted to utilize AI in a insightful, balanced way, we ended up naturally finding ways to make Ripple more fun, more engaging, and more tailored towards students in their discussion settings. Given more time, we would definitely love to expand more and user test Ripple. Shoutout to my teammates Amy and Kenneth, and I look forward to designing more products that feels just as unique and fun as Ripple!
