To answer this question, I created 5–7 research questions and conducted extensive user research, including at least five verbal interviews and a supplementary online survey. I gathered qualitative and quantitative data on students’ study habits, challenges with existing tutoring options, scheduling frustrations, confidence levels, and help-seeking behaviors. I synthesized the feedback into key themes, major requests, and contextual insights, supported by direct quotes and data visualizations from my survey results.
Using this data, I built two fictional personas: a primary persona representing the most common struggles and goals among JMU students, and a secondary persona illustrating additional but less frequent needs. Each persona included demographics, goals, frustrations, needs, technology attitudes, and a narrative profile that grounded their motivations and challenges in real user behavior.
The final report organized the design question, research questions, methodology, user findings, personas, and design rationale into a professional, evidence-based document. This research formed the strategic backbone of the StudyBuddy app, guiding future design decisions and ensuring that all features—from matching systems to communication tools—originated directly from user needs.
This project demonstrates my ability to conduct UX research, synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, and translate insights into actionable design direction.
