AI as Learning Companion: Early EdTech Innovation

Led design strategy for a groundbreaking collaboration between two major education and technology companies, creating one of the first AI-powered adaptive learning experiences in higher education.

This interactive concept map helped students visualize their learning journey while providing contextual AI support. The conversational UI in the chat bubble demonstrates how we made complex topics more approachable through natural dialogue.


Client

IBM Watson and Pearson Education

My role

Design Lead responsible for: Designing AI-human interactions for educational contexts Creating personalized learning pathways Developing conversational UI for student engagement Collaborating across organizations to integrate AI capabilities

The performance analytics dashboard combined detailed metrics with visual clarity. The geometric visualization makes complex data patterns immediately apparent while maintaining a clean, uncluttered design aesthetic.

Key Challenges Overcome

  1. Humanizing AI Interactions in Education

    • Creating supportive, non-judgmental AI responses

    • Balancing academic authority with approachability

    • Designing interactions that wouldn't frustrate struggling students

  2. Complex System Integration

    • Bridging two major platforms while maintaining seamless UX

    • Integrating Watson's capabilities with existing educational content

    • Creating consistent interaction patterns across different types of content

  3. Pioneering Territory

    • No existing patterns for AI-driven educational interfaces

    • Establishing new paradigms for adaptive learning experiences

    • Balancing innovation with usability

Impact

  • Created one of the first AI-powered adaptive learning experiences in higher education

  • Developed innovative "mastery mapping" visualization for student progress

  • Pioneered conversational UI patterns for educational AI

  • Established framework for personalized learning pathways

  • Demonstrated early proof of concept for AI as an educational companion

We designed a clean, focused interface for accessing study materials. The minimalist sidebar and clear hierarchy helped reduce cognitive load, allowing students to concentrate on learning rather than navigating the platform.

Key Takeaways

  1. Early Innovation in AI Education

    • Demonstrated potential of AI as a learning companion

    • Established patterns still relevant in today's EdTech landscape

  2. Human-Centered AI Design

    • Created supportive, encouraging AI interactions

    • Focused on student experience and emotional needs

    • Developed adaptive responses to different learning styles

  3. Cross-Organization Collaboration

    • Successfully bridged technical and educational requirements

    • Created unified experience across different platforms

I design AI experiences that amplify human wisdom.



Copyright © 2024 Christy Carroll. All rights reserved.

I design AI experiences that amplify human wisdom.


Copyright © 2024 Christy Carroll. All rights reserved.

I design AI experiences that amplify human wisdom.



Copyright © 2024 Christy Carroll. All rights reserved.