Virtual Learning
Environment SEAD
Virtual Learning
Environment SEAD
Virtual Learning
Environment SEAD
Development of the virtual environment for the Superintendence of Distance Education at UFES.
Development of the virtual environment for the Superintendence of Distance Education at UFES.
Development of the virtual environment for the Superintendence of Distance Education at UFES.
Team
Rafael Moraes Hilario
Paulo Serpa Ramos
Dara Morati Lopes
Year
2023
The AVA SEAD/UFES has more than 14 thousand alumni, about 1500 active enrollments, and a team of more than 150 collaborators. The enormous reach of the platform led to the need to improve the technological infrastructure, promoting more effective interaction and providing a virtual learning environment that met the high expectations of students and teachers.
The main challenges related to the creation of the platform were the size of the environment (which had to meet a growing demand) and usability, with the objective of ensuring a good user experience for the students on the platform, which has a great influence on the academic development of the students.
The AVA SEAD/UFES has more than 14 thousand alumni, about 1500 active enrollments, and a team of more than 150 collaborators. The enormous reach of the platform led to the need to improve the technological infrastructure, promoting more effective interaction and providing a virtual learning environment that met the high expectations of students and teachers.
The main challenges related to the creation of the platform were the size of the environment (which had to meet a growing demand) and usability, with the objective of ensuring a good user experience for the students on the platform, which has a great influence on the academic development of the students.
The AVA SEAD/UFES has more than 14 thousand alumni, about 1500 active enrollments, and a team of more than 150 collaborators. The enormous reach of the platform led to the need to improve the technological infrastructure, promoting more effective interaction and providing a virtual learning environment that met the high expectations of students and teachers.
The main challenges related to the creation of the platform were the size of the environment (which had to meet a growing demand) and usability, with the objective of ensuring a good user experience for the students on the platform, which has a great influence on the academic development of the students.
My role
My role
My role
In this project, I worked from the research stage to the final interface design. In collaboration with the team, we conducted usability tests and interviews with users that helped us identify points of frustration and opportunities for improvement. Based on these insights, we redesigned both the information architecture and the platform's interface, focusing on usability and navigation efficiency.
In this project, I worked from the research stage to the final interface design. In collaboration with the team, we conducted usability tests and interviews with users that helped us identify points of frustration and opportunities for improvement. Based on these insights, we redesigned both the information architecture and the platform's interface, focusing on usability and navigation efficiency.
In this project, I worked from the research stage to the final interface design. In collaboration with the team, we conducted usability tests and interviews with users that helped us identify points of frustration and opportunities for improvement. Based on these insights, we redesigned both the information architecture and the platform's interface, focusing on usability and navigation efficiency.
User Research
User Research
User Research
User Experience Design
User Experience Design
User Experience Design
UI design
UI design
UI design
Research
Research
Research
Platform analysis
Platform analysis
During the platform analysis stage, we conducted a critical evaluation of navigation on AVA/Sead and identified an excessively complex structure, characterized by multiple navigation layers, redundant content, and a lack of clear hierarchy.
From the perspective of cognitive psychology and user experience (UX), this type of structure tends to overload working memory, making it difficult to locate and retain information – a phenomenon known as cognitive overload. Furthermore, the absence of a logical sequence in navigation compromises the user's ability to predict and understand how the platform works based on previous patterns (mental models).
During the platform analysis stage, we conducted a critical evaluation of navigation on AVA/Sead and identified an excessively complex structure, characterized by multiple navigation layers, redundant content, and a lack of clear hierarchy.
From the perspective of cognitive psychology and user experience (UX), this type of structure tends to overload working memory, making it difficult to locate and retain information – a phenomenon known as cognitive overload. Furthermore, the absence of a logical sequence in navigation compromises the user's ability to predict and understand how the platform works based on previous patterns (mental models).
During the platform analysis stage, we conducted a critical evaluation of navigation on AVA/Sead and identified an excessively complex structure, characterized by multiple navigation layers, redundant content, and a lack of clear hierarchy.
From the perspective of cognitive psychology and user experience (UX), this type of structure tends to overload working memory, making it difficult to locate and retain information – a phenomenon known as cognitive overload. Furthermore, the absence of a logical sequence in navigation compromises the user's ability to predict and understand how the platform works based on previous patterns (mental models).
Usability Test
Usability Test
In this stage, we conducted tests with five participants to evaluate the real user experience of the platform, which is aimed at training and capacitating the academic community in ICTs and EAD. The number of participants and the nature of the instruments used characterized this stage as essentially qualitative. Furthermore, the number of participants aligns with what is recommended for interviews, according to Norman's recommendation (avoiding data saturation). We asked the users to perform a sequence of tasks representative of the platform's daily use, including:
In this stage, we conducted tests with five participants to evaluate the real user experience of the platform, which is aimed at training and capacitating the academic community in ICTs and EAD. The number of participants and the nature of the instruments used characterized this stage as essentially qualitative. Furthermore, the number of participants aligns with what is recommended for interviews, according to Norman's recommendation (avoiding data saturation). We asked the users to perform a sequence of tasks representative of the platform's daily use, including:
In this stage, we conducted tests with five participants to evaluate the real user experience of the platform, which is aimed at training and capacitating the academic community in ICTs and EAD. The number of participants and the nature of the instruments used characterized this stage as essentially qualitative. Furthermore, the number of participants aligns with what is recommended for interviews, according to Norman's recommendation (avoiding data saturation). We asked the users to perform a sequence of tasks representative of the platform's daily use, including:
Navigating freely to familiarize themselves with the environment;
Signing up for a Distance Education (EAD) Training event;
Participating in the activity;
Issuing the certificate of participation;
Navigating freely to familiarize themselves with the environment;
Signing up for a Distance Education (EAD) Training event;
Participating in the activity;
Issuing the certificate of participation;
Navigating freely to familiarize themselves with the environment;
Signing up for a Distance Education (EAD) Training event;
Participating in the activity;
Issuing the certificate of participation;
Semi-structured Interview
Semi-structured Interview
After completing the proposed tasks, the users participated in semi-structured interviews, which, through a qualitative approach, allowed us to identify perceptions about the platform's use, difficulties encountered, and gather insights regarding the user experience and possible improvements to the interface design. The interview questions included:
After completing the proposed tasks, the users participated in semi-structured interviews, which, through a qualitative approach, allowed us to identify perceptions about the platform's use, difficulties encountered, and gather insights regarding the user experience and possible improvements to the interface design. The interview questions included:
After completing the proposed tasks, the users participated in semi-structured interviews, which, through a qualitative approach, allowed us to identify perceptions about the platform's use, difficulties encountered, and gather insights regarding the user experience and possible improvements to the interface design. The interview questions included:
Were you able to sign up for the Training event? Comment on how you managed to perform the task.
At the end of the lecture, were you able to issue the certificate? Was there any activity to guarantee this certification?
Did you encounter any problems while performing any task? If so, which ones?
What do you think of the platform's informational content? How do you think this influenced your use of the platform?
How would you describe your overall experience with the platform?
Were you able to navigate the platform with ease?
What did you like least about the platform's appearance?
What did you like most about the platform's appearance?
Who among your acquaintances would like this product? Freely describe a little about this person's profile.
Do you have any additional feedback about your experience with the platform? Comment freely on any aspect.
Were you able to sign up for the Training event? Comment on how you managed to perform the task.
At the end of the lecture, were you able to issue the certificate? Was there any activity to guarantee this certification?
Did you encounter any problems while performing any task? If so, which ones?
What do you think of the platform's informational content? How do you think this influenced your use of the platform?
How would you describe your overall experience with the platform?
Were you able to navigate the platform with ease?
What did you like least about the platform's appearance?
What did you like most about the platform's appearance?
Who among your acquaintances would like this product? Freely describe a little about this person's profile.
Do you have any additional feedback about your experience with the platform? Comment freely on any aspect.
Were you able to sign up for the Training event? Comment on how you managed to perform the task.
At the end of the lecture, were you able to issue the certificate? Was there any activity to guarantee this certification?
Did you encounter any problems while performing any task? If so, which ones?
What do you think of the platform's informational content? How do you think this influenced your use of the platform?
How would you describe your overall experience with the platform?
Were you able to navigate the platform with ease?
What did you like least about the platform's appearance?
What did you like most about the platform's appearance?
Who among your acquaintances would like this product? Freely describe a little about this person's profile.
Do you have any additional feedback about your experience with the platform? Comment freely on any aspect.
Identified Problems:
Identified Problems:
By analyzing the data obtained from the research conducted with users, we identified several problems related to the usability and clarity of information on the AVA, as can be seen below. The lack of information, combined with the poor organization of content, caused confusion and made navigation difficult. The research data also indicated the need to include a section dedicated exclusively to explaining the platform’s objective, a fundamental step to strengthen guidance and reduce doubts right from the first access.
By analyzing the data obtained from the research conducted with users, we identified several problems related to the usability and clarity of information on the AVA, as can be seen below. The lack of information, combined with the poor organization of content, caused confusion and made navigation difficult. The research data also indicated the need to include a section dedicated exclusively to explaining the platform’s objective, a fundamental step to strengthen guidance and reduce doubts right from the first access.
By analyzing the data obtained from the research conducted with users, we identified several problems related to the usability and clarity of information on the AVA, as can be seen below. The lack of information, combined with the poor organization of content, caused confusion and made navigation difficult. The research data also indicated the need to include a section dedicated exclusively to explaining the platform’s objective, a fundamental step to strengthen guidance and reduce doubts right from the first access.
Course Location: Difficulty locating courses both before and after logging in.
Course Location:
Difficulty locating courses both before and after logging in.
Course Location: Difficulty locating courses both before and after logging in.
Certificate:
Questions about how to download the certificate.
Certificate:
Questions about how to download the certificate.
Certificate:
Questions about how to download the certificate.
Information:
Lack of information about what the platform is, what its purpose is, and how it works.
Information:
Lack of information about what the platform is, what its purpose is, and how it works.
Information:
Lack of information about what the platform is, what its purpose is, and how it works.
Post-login Information:
Lack of clarity inside the platform (navigation, location, information).
Post-login Information:
Lack of clarity inside the platform (navigation, location, information).
Post-login Information:
Lack of clarity inside the platform (navigation, location, information).
Registration:
Technical problems during signup on the website (mobile and desktop).
Registration:
Technical problems during signup on the website (mobile and desktop).
Registration:
Technical problems during signup on the website (mobile and desktop).
Page Hierarchy:
Difficulty understanding what is “most important” and the content that makes up a single course.
Page Hierarchy:
Difficulty understanding what is “most important” and the content that makes up a single course.
Page Hierarchy:
Difficulty understanding what is “most important” and the content that makes up a single course.
Benchmarking
Benchmarking
In this stage of the project, we conducted a benchmarking to identify good Design practices applied in educational platforms. The intention was to observe how different solutions communicate their purposes, organize content, and guide user navigation, especially in environments that offer online courses and certifications, as is the case with Ava.
From the analysis of platforms like GINEAD, EBAC, Skillshare, and edX, we identified important patterns of good practices. The most frequent tone of voice was one that combined clear information with friendly, professional, and official language, generating user confidence.
In terms of usability, the best examples analyzed adopted a simple and well-demarcated architecture, with intuitive navigation, clearly identifiable sections, and essential information visible right on the homepage. Platforms like EBAC, GINEAD, Skillshare, and edX demonstrated special care with visual layout and the direct communication of their purposes. Other platforms, however, showed significant failures in visual hierarchy and informational clarity, compromising user confidence and hindering navigation.
In this stage of the project, we conducted a benchmarking to identify good Design practices applied in educational platforms. The intention was to observe how different solutions communicate their purposes, organize content, and guide user navigation, especially in environments that offer online courses and certifications, as is the case with Ava.
From the analysis of platforms like GINEAD, EBAC, Skillshare, and edX, we identified important patterns of good practices. The most frequent tone of voice was one that combined clear information with friendly, professional, and official language, generating user confidence.
In terms of usability, the best examples analyzed adopted a simple and well-demarcated architecture, with intuitive navigation, clearly identifiable sections, and essential information visible right on the homepage. Platforms like EBAC, GINEAD, Skillshare, and edX demonstrated special care with visual layout and the direct communication of their purposes. Other platforms, however, showed significant failures in visual hierarchy and informational clarity, compromising user confidence and hindering navigation.
In this stage of the project, we conducted a benchmarking to identify good Design practices applied in educational platforms. The intention was to observe how different solutions communicate their purposes, organize content, and guide user navigation, especially in environments that offer online courses and certifications, as is the case with Ava.
From the analysis of platforms like GINEAD, EBAC, Skillshare, and edX, we identified important patterns of good practices. The most frequent tone of voice was one that combined clear information with friendly, professional, and official language, generating user confidence.
In terms of usability, the best examples analyzed adopted a simple and well-demarcated architecture, with intuitive navigation, clearly identifiable sections, and essential information visible right on the homepage. Platforms like EBAC, GINEAD, Skillshare, and edX demonstrated special care with visual layout and the direct communication of their purposes. Other platforms, however, showed significant failures in visual hierarchy and informational clarity, compromising user confidence and hindering navigation.
Wireframes
Wireframes
Wireframes
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Rafael Moraes © 2025. All rights reserved.
Interested in what you saw?
Let's start a conversation!
Fill out the form below. If you prefer, send me an email: rafaelmoraes2611@gmail.com
Interested in what you saw?
Interested in what you saw?
Let's start a conversation!
Let's start a conversation!
Fill out the form below. If you prefer, send me an email: rafaelmoraes2611@gmail.com
Fill out the form below. If you prefer, send me an email: rafaelmoraes2611@gmail.com
Rafael Moraes © 2025. All rights reserved.