Initial Thoughts:
As I was updating my virtual learning platform with new icons and some structural and visual elements that have evolved since last semester, I began to re-evaluate
some of the pages and elements of the learning platform.
The following pages are the updated LMS pages with explanations of each page and pro/con lists.

Notes:
• Need better grid throughout
• Navigation needs improvement (new options at the end)
• Communication/Connect: design with inspiration from social media platforms
• Should there be a mobile app for communication purposes? Or should it be a part of the LMS? Options to message or post to discussion boards.
• Icons need a better color system.

Reflection Prompts:

• What final adjustments are you making to the materials you have created already and why?
  This week I also continued to edit the visual strategy guide. I am adding more detailed icon rules such as sizing allowances, clear space, brand signature, logo don'ts, and more robust typeface guidelines. I will update these for review this coming week.
• How is your user testing progress so far?
  I have compiled a list of parents teachers from prior user testing sessions. Arranging times to meet with teachers and parents via Zoom. (This is for the website, not the learning platform)
• Does the idea of affordances resonate with you? How might you apply it to your materials?
  The majority of my deliverable materials are digital, this allows me the ability to have a little more flexibility with my design. However, in order to provide interesting and interactive UX, I need to adapt to using responsive designs.
• How are the materials you are using impacting how you are designing (or not)?
  Again, most of my deliverables are digital (website, and virtual learning platform) As for the Student Materials kit, I have the ability to be more flexible and design according to materials that the students could use with their digital devices. I am designing a book/agenda, as well as a laptop cover or skin, a mouse and digital pens, and a bag to keep it all in.
• What are the most useful and interesting things you have learned in this module?
  I learned that it helps to get a fresh perspective on your designs. After not working on the learning platform for a while, I am seeing it in a different light and noticing things that are not working, are working, or things that can be improved. In one sense I feel like I am going back to the drawing board, but I think I can take what works and merge it with new elements that will improve the UX and functionality of the system.
  

Thesis Topic: Middle School Virtual Learning
Goal: help middle school children adapt, navigate, and learn in the on-line learning environment.
Audience: Middle School Students  & Teachers
This week I worked on refining and completing the website for OctoEd where teachers, administrators and even parents can get information about the LMS and order a free trial. After I made adjustments to the desktop website, I made 3 other versions using a responsive layout. I created two for the iPad: one horizontal, and one vertical. I think created a responsive version for a smart phone.
This week I also continued working on the Thesis Process Book and added to the visual system guides. I still want to add descriptive text along with the imagery.

• What have you learned from the process of research and creation in your thesis journey?
  
  • During the process of creating the website and visual guidelines, I learned that there a lot of really good examples of well made websites and process journals that can be used for inspiration. I think the last few weeks I have felt a little stunted in the creativity department. Looking at well designed examples helped to spark the creative juices and to create layouts that are visually pleasing as well a easy to navigate. I also learned that you need to guide the user through your pages with not only visuals but written explanations. I am lacking that at this point in many areas, but will continue to add them as I add to the book.
    
• How has your visual system developed? What works and what needs improvement?
  
  • I think my visual system is developing nicely. Every week I add different elements to expand an the visual system so that it doesn't get too repetitive. However I also want it to be consistent. I feel it is in a constant flux of adding, revising, and tweaking. However it has a good base and a consistent look and feel throughout. I need to add written explanations to the pages of the guidelines to help the viewer understand the imagery better.
    
• What about your product? Are there things you would change? Why? Why not?
  
  • I am still refining and editing the virtual learning platform. There are times that I wonder if I should still only be targeting middle school students, instead of all K-8 or K-12. However, I am often reminded how unique the mind of a middle schooler is and how their needs are most specifically not being met with the current platforms on the market. I still need to get to the heart of social media and communication to enhance those features in my platform, to better appeal to my target audience.
    
• Describe the most useful and interesting things you have learned about yourself and the process of research and design in your thesis journey so far.
  
  • During the process of research I have learned a lot about pacing myself and time management. Even the most organized people can get overwhelmed if the don't pace themselves. I have also learned that it is important to look to the experts and to constantly be looking at design to keep ideas fresh and flowing. It is very easy to get a creative block when you are designing for 2 graduate course plus the thesis. I still have a lot to do, but I think I am at a point where it is all coming into focus and I can bring it all together. The next 7 weeks are going to be very busy!
    

This week I spent a great deal of time working on the website. I added the footer and a hamburger menu. I am not sure if it works better on the left side or the right. Although I am leaning towards the left. I am just not sure if it takes away from the OctoEd logo if they are on the same side. In addition, I added a virtual assistant chatbox, I edited the Get Started page to have 2 boxes instead of one, I created a sign-in page, and I created a video page. I also started thinking about the video and what it will consist of. It will have a walk-through of the LMS, so I don't think I can create it until the learning platform is completed.

• How have you chosen to comp your prototype? What resources do you need?
  • For the website, I will create a working prototype and comp the pages in Photoshop. For the Student Materials kit, I will be using Adobe Dimension to comp the items. For the print materials, I will be doing a combination of printing and digital comping.
• What did you learn during this process that was new or interesting?
  • I started using Adobe Dimension over the summer in Packaging 3. It is a great tool for creating life-like comps. However, it takes up a lot of memory and ram in the computer and requires a lot of time for rendering. I have to make sure to leave enough time to complete all of my comps.
  • I also realized that I need to create a video for my website. This will not be completed by mod 7, as it requires the LMS to be completed. I will have to add that to the beginning part of Thesis 3.
    

This week I continued to modify my Thesis Journal. I made revisions based off of instructor feedback and added mood boards. I still need to write descriptions, re-work DS CHART AND Materials Matrix, and continue to add elements.
This week, I also decided to take a different direction with the website layout and am much happier with the results. I created 4 screens for feedback.
For Website user testing I plan on using the method of Usability Testing: evaluative method to observe a users task based experience I can use this method to determine frustration points and ease of use. If the users are asked to think out loud as they complete each task I can get a better understanding of how they view usability and ease of use. I will perform this via Zoom with classroom teachers.

This week I began experimenting with adding illustration to the visual system. I drew some basic doodle/sketchy school supplies and placed them within the circles. I trued a few variations and experimented putting the illustrations and new graphic elements into the system. I then did some future exploration of my icon system. I tried using all black within the circles and all white.
I am still working out layouts for the website and will update that this week.
Lastly, I became formatting my thesis process journal. I developed a layout and grid and began building the pages and placing the required sections and elements. It still needs some work with layout and how the elements will fill the pages. I will also update the DS chart and Materials Matrix to match the visual System more cohesively and to match the formatting of the book.