Industry

Case Study

Client

School of Visual Arts

Bee My Hive

To build a better, sustainable, and equitable society, Public University is to share educational resources.

In a capitalist society, the wealth gap continues to widen, with a small portion of the population controlling most of the resources and capital. This disparity extends to education, as the rising cost of higher education makes it inaccessible for many.

Simultaneously, the pandemic has intensified job scarcity, leading to increased unemployment. As a result, growing numbers of people are unable to afford housing, contributing to a visible rise in homelessness in recent years.

In a capitalist society, the wealth gap continues to widen, with a small portion of the population controlling most of the resources and capital. This disparity extends to education, as the rising cost of higher education makes it inaccessible for many.

Simultaneously, the pandemic has intensified job scarcity, leading to increased unemployment. As a result, growing numbers of people are unable to afford housing, contributing to a visible rise in homelessness in recent years.

Background

Wealth inequality in education in United States is serious. The gap leads to the differentiaton of education, with many people unable to afford the high cost college. According to the research, income changes final education.

Problem

A problem with finding a job. It is increasingly difficult to find a job, with many people facing the effects of unemployment due to the pandemic. Even worse, the number of homeless is increasing in recent years.

Solution

Create a public education program that helps individuals find their desired education and jobs for those who cannot afford.

1. Education is the key to social progress and sustainability

2. Sharing of educational resources to balance the unequal situation in education

3. Giving free access to learning to those who cannot afford it

4. Give small companies and individuals a way to increase their visibility

Create a public education program that helps individuals find their desired education and jobs for those who cannot afford.

1. Education is the key to social progress and sustainability

2. Sharing of educational resources to balance the unequal situation in education

3. Giving free access to learning to those who cannot afford it

4. Give small companies and individuals a way to increase their visibility

This app provides equal access to educational resources for everyone. Those who cannot afford tuition or formal education can freely explore content through the Public Library. Additionally, individuals and organizations can contribute educational videos to Public U, expanding their reach while supporting accessible learning.

This app provides equal access to educational resources for everyone. Those who cannot afford tuition or formal education can freely explore content through the Public Library. Additionally, individuals and organizations can contribute educational videos to Public U, expanding their reach while supporting accessible learning.

Let's start

During account creation, users can input their education level, current profession, work experience, and skills to personalize their learning experience.

Let's start

During account creation, users can input their education level, current profession, work experience, and skills to personalize their learning experience.

Public U offers free and open access to educational content for everyone.

The Learning page is organized into three sections. Public University features educational content uploaded by universities and institutions, allowing them to share knowledge while promoting their programs.

Public U offers free and open access to educational content for everyone.

The Learning page is organized into three sections. Public University features educational content uploaded by universities and institutions, allowing them to share knowledge while promoting their programs.

You can explore and learn anything you’re curious about, anytime.

Knowledge Study features educational content shared by individuals rather than institutions. Users can contribute and explore academic knowledge, insights, and personal perspectives.

You can explore and learn anything you’re curious about, anytime.

Knowledge Study features educational content shared by individuals rather than institutions. Users can contribute and explore academic knowledge, insights, and personal perspectives.

Write and Review

Users can take notes during lectures to capture key points or jot down urgent thoughts. After each video, a mini quiz helps reinforce essential concepts and offers a quick review of the content.

Write and Review

Users can take notes during lectures to capture key points or jot down urgent thoughts. After each video, a mini quiz helps reinforce essential concepts and offers a quick review of the content.

Find the Right Job for You

Public U recommends jobs and companies using big data analysis. As users enrich their profiles with personal preferences and experiences, the system provides more tailored job suggestions.

Find the Right Job for You

Public U recommends jobs and companies using big data analysis. As users enrich their profiles with personal preferences and experiences, the system provides more tailored job suggestions.

Try the Voice Feature

A voice support function is available for users who are unfamiliar with reading or have difficulty processing written text, ensuring a more inclusive learning experience.

Try the Voice Feature

A voice support function is available for users who are unfamiliar with reading or have difficulty processing written text, ensuring a more inclusive learning experience.

Try the Voice Feature

A voice support function is available for users who are unfamiliar with reading or have difficulty processing written text, ensuring a more inclusive learning experience.

Try the Voice Feature

A voice support function is available for users who are unfamiliar with reading or have difficulty processing written text, ensuring a more inclusive learning experience.

  1. Discover

According to research, 80% of the population in the United States holds only 7% of the country’s wealth, while the top 1% controls 40%.


This project aims to provide equal opportunities through a public education platform that supports individuals who cannot afford traditional education, helping them access learning resources and find suitable jobs.

My Contribution

I worked as a UX/UI designer in a team of three designers. While collaborating closely throughout the research and design process, each member was responsible for one application and its key feature. My main role focused on UX research, analysis, and designing the advertisement feature. I also developed the design system for the tablet version and overall application.

  1. Define

Target Audience : This product is mainly designed for five user groups.

Persona Research
Unsheltered homelessness is on the rise. While historical data showed a downward trend, recent years have seen a noticeable increase in individuals experiencing homelessness without access to shelters.

Persona Story
Ben experienced homelessness early in life after his parents lost their jobs and the family began living on the streets of New York. Now 35, he is determined not to follow the same path. Motivated to break the cycle, Ben is eager to gain new skills and find stable employment that can support a better future.

Goals
1. Learning knowledge
2. Find a job & earn money to support his family

Frustrations
1. No experience in using electronic devices
2. Not getting fair and useful resources to help him
3. Difficult to integrate into society

User Journey
Then we hypothesized daily behaviors to understand the issues each user may encounter to find opportunities to solve his potential problems.

  1. Ideate

We consolidated insights and proposed five new product features to enhance the user experience and address the key needs identified through our research.

Library School

Library School is promoted through roadside kiosks, subway screens, and billboards, highlighting that it is free for everyone. Each public library provides tablets for access, and nearby library locations can be easily found through the kiosk interface.

  1. Flowchart

The application is structured into three key sections. Users can first explore and learn educational content, then gain job-related skills, and finally search for suitable employment opportunities.

Design System
Green was chosen for its calming nature and frequent use in public services. It reflects accessibility and trust. The name Public U represents both Public University and Public for You, highlighting inclusivity and open access to learning.

Sketch

Sketch

Results

Our team developed a new product grounded in research and empathy interviews. Throughout the process, we discovered the value of continuous feedback and gaining a deeper understanding of users’ core needs.

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