understanding our users: beyond demographics
While we knew our target audience comprised African teachers aged 25-60 in both rural and urban areas, our extensive user research revealed a more nuanced picture. These educators brought varying levels of technological literacy, different cultural contexts, and diverse infrastructure challenges to their interaction with the app.
Through a combination of user interviews, focus groups, and detailed user walkthroughs, we discovered that the challenges weren't simply technical - they were deeply intertwined with the daily realities of African educators. Many teachers accessed the internet primarily through mobile devices, often in areas with intermittent connectivity. Email usage, which many technology platforms take for granted, was not a regular part of many users' daily routines.
critical pain points: where users struggled most
The Authentication Barrier:
The original OTP (One-Time Password) system, which relied heavily on email verification, became a significant obstacle. Teachers would often initiate the signup process but abandon it when they couldn't easily access their email to retrieve the verification code. This reflected a fundamental mismatch between our security implementation and our users' technological habits.
Onboarding Overwhelm:
The initial onboarding process was designed with thoroughness in mind, but in practice, it became a barrier to entry. Teachers, often accessing the app during brief breaks in their busy schedules, found the lengthy multi-step process discouraged them from completing registration. What we had intended as comprehensive became cumbersome.
Dashboard Disorientation:
Upon finally entering the app, users encountered a dashboard that failed to provide clear direction. The interface, while feature-rich, lacked the intuitive organization necessary for users with varying levels of technical proficiency. This led to confusion about how to access essential training materials and track progress.
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