From concept to design and coded prototype all within 5 weeks period

I’m proud of this project because we successfully designed and coded a functional prototype within just 5 weeks. Although we conducted a usability test, our primary goal was to create a workable solution. Here’s how we structured our timeline.

The impact and deliverables

In addition, we were able to produce 5915 lines of code, 13 components, 30 icons, and 6 dependencies. Specifically, I created the components and the icons.

Improved refugees' computer Literacy

Youth Social Advocacy Team (YSAT), a Ugandan NGO, needed an educational activity that could improve young refugees (age 12-16) computer literacy using Galaxy S21 phones provided by Samsung.

A simple web-based synthesizer and sampler

Mini Synth is a simple web-based synthesizer that empowers Ugandan refugees to create music digitally. The app is part of a larger project that includes educational material and activities.

We first started out doing some quantitative research on UNHCR and created a website with refugee' distribution to visualize their demographics. This revealed that they speak a diverse range of languages and come from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

2. Limited access to time and learning resources

After seeing these metrics, I conducted focus group interviews with 5 young individuals at YSAT remotely to find out their day-to-day lives. I primarily focused on 3 areas. From the responses of 5 refugees, it became clear that they faced challenges with limited internet access and had restricted time for structured computer learning.

Lastly, despite facing unstable internet, numerous chores, and limited learning resources, the refugees demonstrated a strong passion for music, often drumming and singing during their free time.

Hence, it all boils down to three design guidelines

Based on the usability test and follow-up interviews, these were the most important design principles that I must stick to as I  make the final design.

The solution that bridged different backgrounds

Inspired by their passion for music, we explored music-based solutions. Through comparative analysis, prioritization charts, and stakeholder ratings, we identified a solution that breaks language barriers and minimizes learning curves. Thus, we decided to create a simplified music composer.

Determining features through moSCoW Analysis and Card Sorting

Since I am not a music expert, I organized a brainstorming workshop with 10 musicians and my teammates. We started by generating feature ideas. Given the project's time constraints, we then used MoSCoW Analysis and open card sorting to find groups of quick and simple features. Here are the results.

Rapid design and explorations

I have directly jumped to the mid-fidelity mock-up. I quickly did the basic framing and explored the colors, homepage, and product page.

A web app built for accessibility

A website accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a web browser. Built with SvelteKit for unparalleled performance and reactivity.

A mini synthesizer works just like a piano

A polyphonic synthesizer that covers the 3rd, 4th, and 5th octaves. Notes are represented as numbered keys on a piano keyboard.

A portable remix includes all types of beats

A sample player with six drum samples represented with icons on a soundboard.

Positive feedbacks and more expectations!

Following the product launch, I conducted user testing sessions with 20 refugee students at the camp. I am pleased to report that we received a substantial amount of positive feedback. Here are some of the results.

future tracking to validate effectiveness

However, this is just the beginning. To determine if the mini-synth is effectively helping refugees learn computer literacy and improve their skills, much more work lies ahead.