Use iterative design with short feedback loops and multiple user-feedback methods during product development¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The guide recommends working closely with users during development through iterative design, defined via the OET guide as "the process of using short feedback loops to define assumptions, create prototypes, and obtain early user feedback". Concrete methods listed include creating a Minimum Viable Product and showing it to users early, conducting focus groups and interviews, utilizing A/B testing to decide between features, and reviewing product analytics to see where people get stuck. Suggested channels for finding users include education social-media chats, help tickets, and compensating teachers for their time.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to users (students, parents, teachers, administrators) willing to give feedback, and channels such as #edtechbridge chats or help-ticket data to reach them

Constraints¶

• Teacher time should be valued: the guide advises listening to teachers, offering free or reduced-price versions, and compensating them when possible

Target Learners¶

• ed tech product developers
• K-12 students and teachers as product users

Target Learning Goals¶

• improving product usability and fit to learner needs through user feedback

Affordances¶

• Three Research Types Edtech Product Development

Related Strategies¶

• Product Testing
• Center co-design with teachers and students throughout AI tool R&D, using human-in-the-loop workflows as a primary risk mitigation
• Engage users and community members in the design process to make learning tools more attractive, useful, and effective
• Integrate co-design and continuous feedback loops into AI evaluation processes
• AI researchers should partner with developers and disseminate findings accessibly to bridge research-practice silos
• Use a design thinking process with Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test stages to reimagine school safety

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Digital Promise. (2015). Using Research in Ed Tech: The what, how, and why of research-based product development. https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/f25f7b43-06d9-4732-908b-7409f79b0a91