Data Driven Post MVP Core Feature Improvement

Overview

Post-MVP, I identified a new problem space through beta research, revealing a mismatch between how the product was structured and how users actually thought about their learning.

Key Decision & Impact

Instead of focusing on optimizing an existing feature, I identified a deeper issue in how users engaged with the product. Using research and judgment, I reframed the problem and proposed solutions that embedded core functionality into the user’s natural workflow—informing a more intuitive and scalable product direction.

Key Contributions

  1. Led post-launch beta research to identify a critical engagement gap

  2. Defined a new problem space rooted in user mental models

  3. Conducted focused research and competitive analysis to guide solutions

  4. Designed and delivered high-fidelity concepts for implementation

Role

Researcher, Product Design, UX / UI

Tools

Figma, Zoom, Airtable, Hotjar, Survey Monkey

Company & Year

SparkNotes | 2022-23

The Problem

  • The dashboard was intended as a central hub for user activity (bookmarks, notes, progress)

  • Users did not naturally navigate to or engage with the dashboard

  • Instead, users returned to individual titles to access their activity

  • This revealed a mental model mismatch: users thought in terms of titles, not account-level dashboards

Opportunities

  • Align product structure with how users conceptualize their learning

  • Embed premium features directly within the study flow

  • Reduce friction from context switching between dashboard and content

  • Reposition the dashboard as a secondary overview layer

  • Create a more scalable foundation for future features

The Process

Identifying the Problem and Focused Research

  • Conducted post-MVP beta testing (one-on-one moderated interviews) to surface engagement and usability gaps

  • Identified low dashboard usage and unclear value through user behavior and feedback

  • Synthesized findings through affinity mapping to uncover behavioral patterns

  • Validated insights through competitive analysis of leading study platforms

👉 Key insight: Users engage with content at the title level, not through a centralized dashboard

  • Getting business and stakeholder input early and often

    • involving all departments throughout the process to assure UX prioritized the right objectives

  • Primary Research

    • Map mental models and user expectations through one-on-one user interviews

    • Card Sorting & Tree Testing (moderated and unmoderated hybrid)

  • Secondary research

    • User personas and journeys to re-familiarize our team with who we are building for

    • Competitive Analysis and detailed best practice anhigh level solution suggestions

Oh hey 👀 - you made it this far. Want to see more? Let’s talk.

Oh hey 👀 - you made it this far. Want to see more? Let’s talk.

Solutions and Next Steps

Introduced in-context activity through:

  • Left-hand navigation within titles

  • “Mini-dashboard” on title landing pages

  • Persistent right-rail activity panel during study sessions

  • Shifted dashboard role to a high-level overview rather than primary interaction point

  • Established a foundation for continued iteration based on user behavior and feedback

Solutions and Next Steps

Solutions and Next Steps

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BARNES & NOBLE

ALEXION

SPARKNOTES

Let's Get in Touch

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Lydia Deerheart 2026

HOME

ABOUT

CASE STUDIES

BARNES & NOBLE

ALEXION

SPARKNOTES

Let's Get in Touch

Find Me On Linkedin

Lydia Deerheart 2026

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