Glows & Grows

Adult Ed Tech

6 minute read

Role: Solo UX Designer

Project Length: 100-hr

Click Here to Interact with Prototype

Defining the Problem

Context, Problem & Goals

Context

Human brains and skill sets keep on evolving, uniqueness of each kept rising.

There’s no longer one-size fit all of what you intend to learn, but more personalized and individual paths are needed.

Content access is no longer a problem, but about designing systems that support the messy side of learning: momentum, emotional accountability, prioritization and  connection.

Problem

⚠️

Many of us are perfectionists and therefore hesitate, and not taking actions, leaving our beautiful ideas on paper, or just thoughts in our heads.

Design Principle

💡

Build systems, not willpower

Plan with AI, start micro-actions, visualize progress, journal to reflect

Connect with the right resources, not all of the resources

Learn by producing, not just consuming

Take microactions and visualize progress

Social without Pressure

Learn about others progress but follow your own plan

Empathizing User Needs - Foundation of Defining the Problem

Research Methodology

Learning is very personal & Emotional, I therefore decided to carry out in-depth interviews and talk to adults learners directly to feel their emotions; i also keep on iterating via gathering feedback from usability testings.

🙆🏻‍♀️

In-Depth Research Interviewees

5 participants

30-45 minutes

Participants provided

Digital Enthnography

Workplace Setup

Digital Workspace

Tools & Apps

Workplace Setup

Digital Workspace

Tools & Apps

Workplace Setup

Digital Workspace

Tools & Apps

🧪

Usability Testings (2 Rounds )

Usability Testings -2 Rounds

1st Round Tested Low-Fi Wireframes

2nd Round Tested Hi-Fi Wireframes

Personas

💡 Click To View Persona Cards

Ideating per Key Insights

4 Key Insights & Corresponding Design Response

I summarized 4 key insights about learning Activation Problems, formats, emotions and momentum as follows.

1

The Knowing-Doing Gap

 5/5 participants expressed knowing-doing gap is critical, they often experience hesitation when transitioning from absorbing knowledge to application

 5/5 participants expressed knowing-doing gap is critical, they often experience hesitation when transitioning from absorbing knowledge to application

 5/5 participants expressed knowing-doing gap is critical, they often experience hesitation when transitioning from absorbing knowledge to application

Design Response

Design Response

Friction-reducing on-boarding + micro-actions + AI generated Learning Plan

Friction-reducing on-boarding + micro-actions + AI generated Learning Plan

'I'm analyzing till having analysis-paralysis.'

'I'm analyzing till having analysis-paralysis.'

'I'm analyzing till having analysis-paralysis.'

Interviewee 1

4

Structured Learning is Key

4/5 wants more structured learning; 1/5 Wants more self directed learning

4/5 wants more structured learning; 1/5 Wants more self directed learning

4/5 wants more structured learning; 1/5 Wants more self directed learning

Repetitive work without visible progress, shame spiraling when not meeting to-do lists

Design Response

Design Response

AI-Generated Learning Plan option to Edit Flexible Goal Setting (See above)

AI-Generated Learning Plan option to Edit Flexible Goal Setting (See above)

2

Learning is Emotional, Not just Educational 

Learning serves multiple psychological needs: Instantly - as stress relief Short-term- as professional validation and teaching opportunity Long-term- as a life habit for personal growth

Learning serves multiple psychological needs: Instantly - as stress relief Short-term- as professional validation and teaching opportunity Long-term- as a life habit for personal growth

Learning serves multiple psychological needs: Instantly - as stress relief Short-term- as professional validation and teaching opportunity Long-term- as a life habit for personal growth

Design Response

Flexible Goal Setting

Reflection Prompts

Flexible Goal Setting

Reflection Prompts

Repetitive work without visible progress makes me exhausted

Repetitive work without visible progress makes me exhausted

Repetitive work without visible progress makes me exhausted

Interviewee 1, 3

3

Progress Visibility Drives Momentum

4/5 Participants rely on visual documentation, e.g. videos, checklists, dashboards provides satisfaction as they can see progress which help them diagnose learning problems, improve, boosts their motivation in iterating. they also rely on

External Accountability, such as job requirements, Paid course expiration dates, etc.

External Accountability, such as job requirements, Paid course expiration dates, etc.

External Accountability, such as job requirements, Paid course expiration dates, etc.

Interviewee 1, 2, 3, 4

Design Response

Implication Make progress tangible and visible

Implication Make progress tangible and visible

Bridging the Define & Ideate Stage

POV, HMW & Design Strategies

I summarized 4 key insights about learning Activation Problems, formats, emotions and momentum as follows.

🎭

The Independent Explorer

SELF-DIRECTED | FLEXIBLE

Point of View...(POV)

An Independent Explorer needs a way to get started and stay motivated because they tend to over-analyze and procrastinate due to perfectionism.

An Independent Explorer needs To share their work for others to validate because recognition from others helps them see and celebrate their visible progress.

How Might we... (HMW)

An Independent Explorer needs a way to get started and stay motivated because they tend to over-analyze and procrastinate due to perfectionism.

An Independent Explorer needs To share or teach their work with peers for validation because recognition from others helps them see and celebrate their visible progress.

↔

↔

Shared

Needs

🎯

The Guided Striver

STRUCTURED + GOAL-DRIVEN

Point of View...(POV)

The Guided Striver needs to structure their learning with clear deadlines because they take action when tasks feel urgent and time-bound.

The Guided Striver needs accountability from peers because talking through their ideas aloud and receiving validation helps them stay on track and feel progress.

How Might we... (HMW)

provide clear, structured deadlines and actionable items so Guided Strivers can consistently achieve small or big goals?

build accountability systems that encourage Guided Strivers to share ideas aloud and receive peer validation?

Design Strategies for different personas

Design Strategies For different Personas

Competitive Analysis

How We Stand Out From Learning Platforms

While there are numerous Learning Platforms, none of them are output based, and offers the flexibility of selecting what to learn, making glows and Grows Stand Out.

While there are numerous Learning Platforms, none of them are output based, and offers the flexibility of selecting what to learn, making glows and Grows Stand Out.

Category

Glows & Grows

Our Solution

Coursera

Structured Learning

Duolingo

Gamified Learning

Atoms

Habit Tracking

Core Offering

✨

AI learning plans + micro-actions + emotional

accountability

Structured courses, certificates, degrees

Gamified language learning

Habit formation & behavior tracking

Content Delivery

🎯

Micro-actions you define + upload proof

Video lectures, quizzes, projects

Bite-sized lessons, gamified exercises

Habit tips, daily check-ins

Progress Tracking

📊

Action-based proof + reflection prompts + visible momentum

Course completion %, grades, streaks

Streaks, XP, leaderboards

Visual habit streaks

Social Learning

👥

Buddy system + community feed + mentor matching

Forums, peer reviews (surface-level)

Friend leaderboards, clubs

⚠️

None

Personalization

🤖

AI plans adapt to your goals, pace, & emotional state

Course recommendations

Adaptive difficulty

Habit customization

Key Strength

⭐

Breaks paralysis through micro-actions + emotional support

Quality content, structured, trusted credentials

Daily engagement, free

Science-based habit design, simple UX

Gap/

Opportunity

🔧

New platform—needs user acquisition & trust-building

⚠️

Input > output; lacks emotional accountability;

weak social

⚠️

Basic language focus; limited depth; can't apply

to real-life

⚠️

Limited to habits; no content or social features; lacks community

🚀

Our Competitive Edge

We're the only platform that combines AI-personalized learning plans, emotional accountability through reflection, and social learning without pressure, addressing the full psychology of adult learning, not just content delivery.

Category

Glows & Grows

Our Solution

Coursera

Structured Learning

Duolingo

Gamified Learning

Atoms

Habit Tracking

Core Offering

✨

AI learning plans + micro-actions + emotional

accountability

Structured courses, certificates, degrees

Gamified language learning

Habit formation & behavior tracking

Content Delivery

🎯

Micro-actions you define + upload proof

Video lectures, quizzes, projects

Bite-sized lessons, gamified exercises

Habit tips, daily check-ins

Progress Tracking

📊

Action-based proof + reflection prompts + visible momentum

Course completion %, grades, streaks

Streaks, XP, leaderboards

Visual habit streaks

Social Learning

👥

Buddy system + community feed + mentor matching

Forums, peer reviews (surface-level)

Friend leaderboards, clubs

⚠️

None

Personalization

🤖

AI plans adapt to your goals, pace, & emotional state

Course recommendations

Adaptive difficulty

Habit customization

Key Strength

⭐

Breaks perfectionism paralysis through micro-actions + emotional support

Quality content, structured, trusted credentials

Daily engagement, free

Science-based habit design, simple UX

Gap/

Opportunity

🔧

New platform—needs user acquisition & trust-building

⚠️

Basic language focus; limited depth; can't apply to real-life

⚠️

Basic language focus; limited depth; can't apply to real-life

⚠️

Limited to habits; no content or social features; lacks community

Feature Prioritization Framework

Comprehensive

Feature Set

Features organized by priority to address both personas' needs while enabling sustainable product development

⭐

Must-Have Features

•

Gentle push notifications for action-taking

•

AI-assisted personalized learning paths

•

Buddy sharing & accountability system

•

Action-based progress tracking

•

Community in-app view & commenting

✨

Should-Have Features

•

Help organizing community events

•

Helpful resources

•

Turning learning into habits

💡

Can Come Later

•

Encourage cross-disciplinary learning

•

Gamification elements

•

Integration ecosystem

•

Learning analytics

Glows & Grows

Feature Prioritization Framework

Comprehensive Feature Set

Based on personas' mutual needs + competitive Analysis. Features organized by priority to address both personas' needs while enabling sustainable product development

💡

Can Come Later

•

Encourage cross-disciplinary learning

•

Gamification elements

•

Integration ecosystem

•

Learning analytics

Glows & Grows

✨

Should-Have Features

•

Help organizing community events

•

Helpful resources

•

Turning learning into habits

⭐

Must-Have Features

•

Gentle push notifications for action-taking

•

AI-assisted personalized learning paths

•

Buddy sharing & accountability system

•

Action-based progress tracking

•

Community in-app view & commenting

⭐

Must-Have Features

•

Gentle push notifications for action-taking

•

AI-assisted personalized learning paths

•

Buddy sharing & accountability system

•

Action-based progress tracking

•

Community in-app view & commenting

✨

Should-Have Features

•

Help organizing community events

•

Helpful resources

•

Turning learning into habits

💡

Can Come Later

•

Encourage cross-disciplinary learning

•

Gamification elements

•

Integration ecosystem

•

Learning analytics

Glows & Grows

⭐

Must-Have Features

  • Gentle push notifications for action-taking

  • AI-assisted personalized learning paths

  • Buddy sharing & accountability system

  • Action-based progress tracking

💡

Can Come Later

  • Encourage cross-disciplinary learning

  • Gamification elements

  • Learning analytics

  • Integration ecosystem

✨

Should-Have Features

  • Help organizing community eventsGamification elements

  • Helpful resources

  • Turning learning into habits

Glows & Grows

Design System

UI Components & Brand Identity

Icons

navigation & Progress

cards

major buttons

Enabled

disabled

Meet GG

Brand Essence

GG is a sun character representing warmth and curiosity; with a clown hat, embodying playfulness; with leaves symbolizing cultivation (Growing) and continuous learning.

cards

Solution: Breaking the Paralysis Cycle

Feature 1: Overcoming Hesitation through Micro-Actions

Combining the Market-Gap and Key Insight, Feature 1 of Overcoming Hesitation through Micro-Actions was placed in the highest priority to develop.

Full Master (Overview) - click Here to see the detailed journey

Setup

Goals + Identity

Hero Flow

Overcome Hesitation + Act

Reinforce

Overcome Hesitation + Act

Habit Loop

Repeat + Streak

Growth

Reflect + Continue

Hero Flow (Detailed)

Hesitation

  1. Hesitation

System detects User is hesitating

Nudge

  1. Nudge

‘ try it now just one step’

Microaction

  1. Microaction

Overcome Hesitation + Act

Reinforce

‘Congratulations!...Keep Going!’

Reflect

Reflect + Continue

Habit Loop

Log Progress + Build Streaks

End

End

Habit Loop

7.Habit Loop

Log Progress + Build Streaks

Reflect

  1. Reflect

Reflect + Continue

  1. Reinforce

‘Congratulations!...Keep Going!’

Entry Point

External Push

Proof Upload

Celebration

Ideation & Prototype & Testing - Design Exploration

From Identity-Matching to Goal-Setting

When creating the feature of goal setting, I explored ways to solidify users learning via identity building. However, test results showed that goal focus + Flexible Domains accommodate different levels; which matches the app's goals more.

Research Insight

Identity reinforces learning, but learners have diverse motivations, from childhood ambitions to professional development. Some simply want to explore niche interests without defining their identity.

Key Finding

Not everyone aspires to expert status. users want progress at different skill levels, hobby, proficient, mastery.

‘I love drawing but I never thought of becoming a professional illustrator’

‘I want to know my finances better, but I’m not interested in being an accountant’

The pivot

‘ What do you want to become?’

‘ What do you want to learn?’

Before: Identity Focused

Assumed users define themselves by career aspirations

After: Goal Focus

Flexible Domains + Goals accommodate different levels

Solution: Balancing Learning Guidance & Autonomy

Feature 2: AI-generated personalized plan

The key Challenge was to create adaptive learning plans that balance aI-Driven Structure with user autonomy to serve both guided and independent learners as their desired level of autonomy spans through a wide spectrum. Thus, Iterations regarding commitment levels, learning plan customization, and liability disclaimers were added.

The key Challenge was to create adaptive learning plans that balance aI-Driven Structure with user autonomy to serve both guided and independent learners as their desired level of autonomy spans through a wide spectrum. Thus, Iterations regarding commitment levels, learning plan customization, and liability disclaimers were added.

1

Accuracy Disclaimer

2

Commitment Level

3

Plan Overview

Plan

Overview

Key Iterations

Key Iterations

Added Time Commitment Selection

Added Plan Customization Option

Added Professional Validation Disclaimer

Reflections on Using AI

AI Strategy & Development Roadmap

AI is rising, and I therefore included it as a planning coach in the project, I also asked my users their views on AI, and reflected my use of AI when working on this project.

The Role of AI

mid-Journey

Chat GPT

Gemini

Claude AI

AI as a creative Partner: AI accelerates brainstorming, writing and creating iterations. I used the above tools in the process.

🧠

Always allow yourself to think before using: DON’T let AI create Bias before you think, nothing beats human creativity

My exploration of Trust in AI: During the 2nd Usability Testing, I questioned about trust and accuracy of AI. Users revealed they need transparency about AI’s role and limitations.

📍

Next Steps: If I had more time, I’d research more on how to scale AI ethically, so content generated can be more aligned with user expectations while having appropriate disclaimers.

The AI-Driven Roadmap

0 months

3 months

6 months

12 months

Phase I: MVP

(0-3 Months)

Track

Hero Flow success -

1st action completion Rate

work completion rate - momentum sustain

weekly upload frequency - engagement

Phase II: Social

(4-6 Months)

Launch

buddy system based on interviewee framework.

Phase III: AI Refinement

Phase III: AI Refinement

(7-12 Months)

AI Refinement

Refine AI recommendations and achieve 85% accuracy.

Key Learning & Design Philosophy

What I learned from Users

I got inspired by both the process of designing personally, and listing to advices on learning from my users.

I got inspired by both the process of designing personally, and listing to advices on learning from my users.

Defending the Design

Users asked if we could skip the proof upload to speed up the user flow. however, this is the core of the accountability system, removing it undermines the entire design.

Users asked if we could skip the proof upload to speed up the user flow. however, this is the core of the accountability system, removing it undermines the entire design.

Instead, I simplified the flow by integrating camera access directly into the flow, making proof upload sweet and simple.

Instead, I simplified the flow by integrating camera access directly into the flow, making proof upload sweet and simple.

💫

Listen to others, but have backbone, you should be the final decision maker.’

Creative Principle

💫

‘Make 100 things, discard 90, and share the 10 best...’

‘Make 100 things, discard 90, and share the 10 best...’

James Clear

Iterations may not give you answers of what to design, but eliminate things that you should omit

One piece of Advice My Users Gave Me in Learning Something New...

🍾

“Just do it.... Analysis paralysis where you just overthink something...’

Interviewee 5

💆🏻‍♀️

‘ don't worry too much. Don’t be intimidated by the app. Eventually, it’s just drawing.’

Interviewee 2

🏃🏻‍♀️

‘Consistency’. Being Able to do things consistently

Interviewee 2

⏳

make sure you choose a program that's really structured and you can have personalized support because you're going to need it.

Interviewee 1

One piece of Advice My Users Gave Me in Learning Something New...

🍾

“Just do it.... Analysis paralysis where you just overthink something...’

Interviewee 5

💆🏻‍♀️

‘ don't worry too much. Don’t be intimidated by the app. Eventually, it’s just drawing.’

Interviewee 2

🏃🏻‍♀️

‘Consistency’. Being Able to do things consistently

Interviewee 2

⏳

make sure you choose a program that's really structured and you can have personalized support because you're going to need it.

Interviewee 1

One piece of Advice My Users Gave Me in Learning Something New...

🍾

“Just do it.... Analysis paralysis where you just overthink something...’

Interviewee 5

💆🏻‍♀️

‘ don't worry too much. Don’t be intimidated by the app. Eventually, it’s just drawing.’

Interviewee 2

🏃🏻‍♀️

‘Consistency’. Being Able to do things consistently

Interviewee 2

⏳

make sure you choose a program that's really structured and you can have personalized support because you're going to need it.

Interviewee 1

The Treadmill Problem

I’ve always hated treadmills. They felt boring, repetitive, just motion without meaning.

But they were the most accessible and economic way for me to move, especially during long, tiring days.

So I started pairing them with audiobooks and productivity videos. Suddenly, movement became meaningful.

A Career Crossroad

Around the same time, I was also navigating a career transition. I found myself wanting to relearn things I’d left behind , from old hobbies to unfinished goals. Maybe it was compensation, or maybe it was a need to reclaim something I never had the space or support to explore deeply.

Books That Kept Me Company

Personal Story

Why this project matters to me

The Treadmill Problem

I’ve always hated treadmills. They felt boring, repetitive, just motion without meaning.

But they were the most accessible and economic way for me to move, especially during long, tiring days.

So I started pairing them with audiobooks and productivity videos. Suddenly, movement became meaningful.

A Career Crossroad

Around the same time, I was also navigating a career transition. I found myself wanting to relearn things I’d left behind , from old hobbies to unfinished goals. Maybe it was compensation, or maybe it was a need to reclaim something I never had the space or support to explore deeply.

Books That Kept Me Company

Design System

UI Components & Brand Identity

Icons

navigation & Progress

cards

major buttons

Enabled

disabled

Meet GG

Brand Essence

GG is a sun character representing warmth and curiosity; with a clown hat, embodying playfulness; with leaves symbolizing cultivation (Growing) and continuous learning.

Design Exploration

From Identity-Matching to goal-setting

Research Insight

Identity reinforces learning, but learners have diverse motivations, from childhood ambitions to professional development. Some simply want to explore niche interests without defining their identity.

Key Finding

Not everyone aspires to expert status. users want progress at different skill levels, hobby, proficient, mastery.

‘I love drawing but I never thought of becoming a professional illustrator’

‘I want to know my finances better, but I’m not interested in being an accountant’

The pivot

‘ What do you want to become?’

‘ What do you want to learn?’

Before: Identity Focused

Assumed users define themselves by career aspirations

After: Goal Focus

Flexible Domains + Goals accommodate different levels

The Treadmill Problem

I’ve always hated treadmills. They felt boring, repetitive, just motion without meaning.

But they were the most accessible and economic way for me to move, especially during long, tiring days.

So I started pairing them with audiobooks and productivity videos. Suddenly, movement became meaningful.

A Career Crossroad

Around the same time, I was also navigating a career transition. I found myself wanting to relearn things I’d left behind , from old hobbies to unfinished goals. Maybe it was compensation, or maybe it was a need to reclaim something I never had the space or support to explore deeply.

Books That Kept Me Company

Reflections on Using AI

AI Strategy & Development Roadmap

The Role of AI

mid-Journey

Chat GPT

Gemini

Claude AI

AI as a creative Partner: AI accelerates brainstorming, writing and creating iterations. I used the above tools in the process.

🧠

Always allow yourself to think before using: DON’T let AI create Bias before you think, nothing beats human creativity

My exploration of Trust in AI: During the 2nd Usability Testing, I questioned about trust and accuracy of AI. Users revealed they need transparency about AI’s role and limitations.

📍

Next Steps: If I had more time, I’d research more on how to scale AI ethically, so content generated can be more aligned with user expectations while having appropriate disclaimers.

The AI-Driven Roadmap

0 months

3 months

6 months

12 months

Phase I: MVP

(0-3 Months)

Track

Hero Flow success -

1st action completion Rate

work completion rate - momentum sustain

weekly upload frequency - engagement

Phase II: Social

(4-6 Months)

Launch

buddy system based on interviewee framework.

Phase III: AI

Refinement

(7-12 Months)

AI Refinement

Refine AI recommendations and achieve 85% accuracy.

Glows & Grows

Adult Ed Tech

6 minute read

Role: Solo UX Designer

Project Length: 100-hr

Appendix

One piece of Advice My Users Gave Me in Learning Something New...

🍾

“Just do it.... Analysis paralysis where you just overthink something...’

Interviewee 5

💆🏻‍♀️

‘ don't worry too much. Don’t be intimidated by the app. Eventually, it’s just drawing.’

Interviewee 2

🏃🏻‍♀️

‘Consistency’. Being Able to do things consistently

Interviewee 2

⏳

make sure you choose a program that's really structured and you can have personalized support because you're going to need it.

Interviewee 1

Empatheize

Affinity Map

Business Goals, User Goals, Product Roadmaps

View

Figma

~5 min read

Empatheize

Persona Cards

The Guided Striver &

The Independent Explorer

View

Figma

~5 min read

Ideate

Project Goals

Business Goals, User Goals, Product Roadmaps

View

Figma

~5 min read

Prototype

Please Use iPhone 16 as Device Frame

→

Prototype

Please Use iPhone 16 as Device Frame

→

Overview

Problem

Research

Strategy

Competitive Landscape

Feature Prioritization

Design Solutions

Reflection

Personal Story

Appendix

Product Designer

who embraced the pathless path.

Available for full-time roles

Get In Touch

ameliaay.work@gmail.com

Linkedln Profile

Download Resume

Product Designer

who embraced the pathless path.

Available for full-time roles

Get In Touch

ameliaay.work@gmail.com

Linkedln Profile

Download Resume

Product Designer

who embraced the pathless path.

Available for full-time roles

Get In Touch

ameliaay.work@gmail.com

Linkedln Profile

Download Resume