Dive into detailed case studies that break down my creative process, revealing practical insights into problem-solving and design thinking.

Problem:

The Challenge: Tynker, known as "the world's biggest coding site for kids," faced a critical issue as its user base transitioned into older teens. Despite widespread love from students and teachers, the platform grappled with a perception problem. The existing art direction, perceived as overly "cute," failed to mature with its audience.

Evaluation

Understanding the Audience:
To address this challenge, a deep understanding of the evolving preferences of the older teen demographic was crucial. The evaluation unveiled a clash of multiple styles and a lack of coherence among different age groups. Art elements were used haphazardly, resulting in a confusing user experience. Excessive gradients and intricate details made the art feel dated.

Streamlining Art Elements:
To rectify this, a decision was made to streamline art elements. Different age groups were identified, and a strategic plan was devised to handle the transition seamlessly. The focus shifted from overwhelming gradients to selectively using them in the background, allowing flat art to take center stage for a cleaner, modern aesthetic.

The Solution

The Vision:
Recognizing the need to cater to older teens without alienating younger users, the vision for the redesigned Tynker art direction emerged. The goal was to set a new standard for e-learning platforms by creating an online space that was not only educational but also vibrant, entertaining, and socially engaging.

Implementation and Results:
Armed with a clear vision, the team at Tynker implemented the redesign, selecting features that resonated with older teens while ensuring a seamless transition for younger users. The revamped platform successfully struck a balance between maintaining a playful and informative nature and catering to the more mature tastes of older teens. Positive user feedback indicated a more cohesive and engaging experience, positioning Tynker as a leader in providing a dynamic and age-appropriate coding education experience.