Revolutionizing How Students Study Kno Tablet User Interface Design
For the Fall 2011 back-to-school season, Kno.com had one of the top-grossing apps available in Apple’s App store. Crafted specifically for the iPad, Kno’s app allows students to both read and purchase college text books. Prior to launching the app, Kno offered its own dual-screen tablet, for which Hot designed the user interface of the core operating system and proprietary e-commerce system for the purchase and rental of text books. Many aspects of the initial work done by Hot have been translated into Kno’s new iPad app.
Understanding today’s students
Before design could begin, ethnographic research was needed to gain insights into how students would get the most out of the tablet. What features would be most useful? How would the tablet be used in different classes and study groups? For answers straight from the source, Hot Studio conducted a series of guerilla research efforts on college campuses and in nearby coffee houses. By observing and interviewing students, Hot was able to collect valuable insights that informed the product UI and overall value proposition. This research, along with Hot’s deep knowledge of best practices, informed the creation of the ideal student learning experience.
Kno 101
Over the course of eight months, Hot collaborated with Kno’s user experience and development teams, keeping in mind the need for a flexible interface that could support the addition of new applications and tools. Rapid collaboration was a must as the development cycles became quicker throughout the project. The end result was a clean original tablet design that replicated an uncluttered learning environment, allowing students to readily pore over textbooks, take and share notes, and immerse themselves in college life on the go.
Necessary pivot
Shortly after the release of Kno’s tablet, the iPad was unveiled and Kno realized a shift in strategy was required. The result is Kno’s iPad app, which incorporates many of the features and experiences developed through Kno’s partnership with Hot.
