Abacus Mobile App

Client
Dah company
Service
UX/UI Design
Date
2023

Overview

Abacus is an interactive mobile app designed to make learning mental math fun and accessible for children aged 3-15. The app aims to foster early math skills while connecting students with qualified teachers and centers dedicated to mental math education.

Deliverables

  • Teach foundational math basics.
  • Gamify learning for fun.
  • Build complex math skills.
  • Partner with math centers.

Outcome

Abacus has significantly enhanced children’s engagement with math by providing an enjoyable and accessible learning platform. Children report higher retention and improved math skills, and parents have tools to monitor progress. The app’s gamified structure and user-friendly interface have proven effective in maintaining motivation and ease of use. Partnerships with educational centers have facilitated learning opportunities for children in underserved communities, expanding the reach of math literacy. Abacus has also created job opportunities for fresh graduates, strengthening math education across regional areas.

External link

Case Study: Abacus Mobile App

Introduction

Abacus is an innovative educational app designed to teach children the fundamentals of mental mathematics using an interactive and engaging platform. The app caters to children aged 3 to 15, focusing on making learning math fun, accessible, and effective. With the increasing reliance on technology in education, Abacus aims to provide a unique learning experience that integrates gamification and connectivity with qualified teachers and mental math centers.

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Problem

Abacus addresses a lack of accessible mental math resources for children. The app provides an engaging platform for math learning, connecting families to qualified tutors and offering affordable solutions, especially for families with multiple children.

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Objectives

  • Foundation Skills: Introduce children to basic math skills using the abacus in a fun and creative manner.
  • Support for Special Needs: Assist children with autism, especially between the ages of 3 to 7, in developing their math skills.
  • Competitive Edge: Cater to gifted students looking to enhance their mental calculation abilities and prepare for global competitions.
  • Affordability: Provide accessible learning opportunities for families with multiple children, reducing the financial burden of traditional math education.
  • Training Opportunities: Enable fresh graduates to become trainers, equipping them with necessary materials and support.
  • Partnerships: Collaborate with math centers to monitor student progress through various learning modes.
  • Awareness: Increase knowledge and usage of the Abacus methodology within Palestine and regional areas.

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    Research & Insights

    Initial Meetings and Surveys

    To understand the market and target audience, I conducted several meetings with the CEO, which helped shape the app's direction. A survey was developed to gather insights about parents’ preferences, challenges, and attitudes towards math education for their children.

    Target Audience Identification

    The primary target audience includes parents (aged 25-45) in Palestine and Saudi Arabia. The focus is on those with children between the ages of 3 to 15, particularly parents of gifted or struggling students.

    Market Research

    • Mobile App Usage: Analyzed trends in mobile app usage in target regions, focusing on educational apps.
    • Competitor Analysis: Identified leading educational apps and their features, download statistics, and user engagement metrics.

    Ideation Process

    Using the card sorting method, I organized and prioritized potential features, leading to the definition of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that included:

    • Interactive learning modules
    • Gamification elements
    • Progress tracking
    • Online tutoring options
    • Parental controls and monitoring

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    Design Process

    Ideation

    Using card sorting, I identified essential MVP features and prioritized those based on user needs, including mental math fundamentals and connection to tutors.

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    Brainstorming Cards - Full Set

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    MVP Card Selection

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    Sketching and Wireframing

    I began the design process with sketching, followed by wireframing the app's core functionalities:

    • Home Screen: Simple navigation for children and parents.
    • Learning Modules: Engaging content structured by grade levels and abilities.
    • Gamified Challenges: Competitive features to encourage peer interaction.
    • Trainer Booking System: An interface for parents to book sessions with qualified trainers.

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    High Fidelity Wireframes

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    Prototyping

    Developed high-fidelity prototypes to simulate the app’s interactive experience.

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    Prototyping

    Features

    1. Interactive Learning Modules: Engaging lessons on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
    2. Gamification: Fun math challenges and competitions among peers.
    3. Progress Tracking: Monitoring tools for parents to observe their child's learning journey.
    4. Flexible Learning Levels: Customizable paths based on the child’s previous experience and skill level.
    5. Online Tutoring: A platform to connect students with certified trainers for personalized instruction.

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