Overview

Data driven post MVP improvements of core features.

Following the MVP launch I conducted beta testing and identified friction in how users were engaging with the dashboard. What began as a usability concern evolved into a deeper structural insight about user mental models and how learning activity should be surfaced within the product. I then successfully developed improvements to the feature.

Key Contributions

(1) Led post-launch beta research and identified a problem area.

(2) Conducted focused research, user interviews and competitive analysis on problem area.

(3) Applied research findings towards the development of potential UX design solutions

(4) Refined and hand off of high fidelity final design

Role

Researcher, Product Design, UX / UI

Tools

Figma, Zoom, Airtable

Company and Year

SparkNotes | 2022-23

The Problem

  • The dashboard feature was intended to function as the central hub for users’ premium activity — summarizing bookmarks, notes, quiz progress, and scores. However, beta research revealed friction:

    • Users were not inclined to find and use the dashboard without prompting. Instead users were navigating back to individual book titles to see their PLUS activity instead of using the dashboard.

    • This revealed a mental model mismatch. We had structured activity at the account level but users conceptualized their learning at the title level.

Opportunities

  • This insight created several strategic opportunities:

    • Align product structure with user mental models

    • Embed premium value directly within the study flow

    • Reduce context switching between dashboard and titles

    • Reposition the dashboard as a high-level overview and activity tracker.

    • Create a scalable architecture for future feature expansion

The Process

Identifying the Problem and Focused Research

  • The Post-MVP beta testing I conducted surfaced early friction around dashboard engagement and clarity.

  • I created a structured research plan and conducted one-on-one moderated interviews focused specifically on dashboard interaction.

    • I then synthesized those findings with an affinity map to help me see the data. I then presented my findings in a report.

    • Before designing solutions, I analyzed how other leading study platforms were surfacing user activity and their premium features in a competitive analysis.

  • 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

  • Before designing solutions, I analyzed how other leading study platforms were surfacing user activity and their premium features in a competitive analysis.

  • 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

Hey there. Would you like to see more examples of my work? Let's talk.

Hey there. Would you like to see more examples of
my work? Let's talk.

Hey there. Would you like to see more examples of my work?
Let's talk.

Solutions and Next Steps

Exploring Design Solutions

  • Using the data from my research conclusions I created high fidelity designs to explore some potential solutions including:

    • Creating a left hand navigation menu within titles

    • Keeping a "mini-dashboard" on Title's main cover/ landing pages

    • Using the right rail to have a constant PLUS activity panel thought the study experience within title interior study pages.

Solutions and Next Steps

Solutions and Next Steps

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Lydia Deerheart 2026