AI Unplugged: What’s Really Going On With Language Models?

When we think of AI, the first thing that often comes to mind is generative AI, like chatbots or content generators. However, in a recent article titled “How AI Works” published on January 9, 2024, Nir Zicherman sheds light on the workings of large language models (LLMs) in a way that’s accessible to everyone, not just tech enthusiasts.

Zicherman compares LLMs to sophisticated auto-complete tools. Imagine typing a message, and your device suggests the next word based on what you’ve written before. These models are trained on extensive datasets, operating through learned patterns rather than possessing true understanding or consciousness. Simply put, they don’t “know” what they are talking about—they just analyze data to make educated guesses.

To illustrate this concept, Zicherman uses a relatable meal analogy. Picture yourself at a restaurant: you’re hungry, but you haven’t decided what to order. The waiter, lacking psychic abilities, can’t pinpoint exactly what you want; however, based on past orders and an understanding of the menu, they can suggest options that might satisfy your craving. Similarly, AI predicts the next word in a sequence based on patterns derived from vast amounts of data it has encountered. It’s important to recognize that while AI can make relevant suggestions, it does so without genuine comprehension.

In another insightful article, “What Is ChatGPT Doing … and Why Does It Work?” the author dives deeper into ChatGPT’s mechanisms. At its core, ChatGPT generates text by predicting what word or token should come next based on a massive pool of human-written examples. By analyzing the data, it calculates probabilities and constructs sentences one word at a time. To keep the text engaging and less repetitive, a degree of randomness is introduced, allowing the model to select words that may not always be the highest probability options. This is controlled by a parameter known as “temperature,” which significantly influences the quality and variability of the generated outputs.

In essence, ChatGPT creates human-like text by understanding and predicting word sequences with the help of randomness. This approach results in a rich and dynamic output, steering clear of flat, monotonous prose.

 

### Points of Confusion: The Power of Speech

One question that arises is how modern AI can take inspiration from and reinterpret some of history’s most impactful speeches—like Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream.” For instance, let’s consider a line from his powerful speech: 

“Let freedom ring from the hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.”

Rewritten with an AI’s touch, it could become something like:

Allow freedom to be expressed from the elevated points of New Hampshire. Enable freedom to be acknowledged across the substantial mountain ranges of New York. Permit freedom to emerge from the prominent Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

This raises an interesting point about the line between genuine inspiration and mechanical rephrasing. While AI can generate variations of powerful text, the emotional weight and historical context behind the original words are something that it cannot replicate.

The exploration of AI’s capabilities is a fascinating journey, illustrating both its limitations and its potential. As we continue to interact with this technology, it’s essential to cultivate an understanding that while AI can craft sentences and suggest ideas, it does so without the consciousness or emotional depth that defines human creativity. Let’s embrace the advancements while acknowledging the art that remains uniquely human.

The Commonplace Tradition

Oh, organization and I have never exactly been best friends. I wouldn’t call myself super organized, but I have some structure—to keep my digital space from being completely chaotic. I like to keep things simple—partly because I’m a minimalist and partly because I don’t have the patience to spend hours colour-coding files.

Since I prefer a minimalist approach, I avoid unnecessary complexity and follow a hierarchical structure, which means each main folder contains subfolders to help retrieve the documents easily. I might not fit the typical ‘commonplacer’ stereotype, this is my own low-maintenance version. Here is an example of how I maintain my main folders and subfolders.

ENGL 1101 ( Main folder)

Spring 2024 (subfolder)

  • Syllabus
  • Sample assignments
  • Class list
  • Email correspondence
  • Lecture notes
  • Assignments
  • Submitted
  • Graded (with feedback)

ENGL 1102

Fall 2024 (Same structure)

Teaching Resources (Main folder)

  • Lesson Plans
  • Activity Ideas
  • Discussion Prompts
  • Assessment Rubrics

Teaching Portfolio (Main folder)

  • Teaching Philosophy
  • Sample Assignments
  • Student Feedback

My digital world is a bit of a mess, filled with random notes, half-written ideas, screenshots, PDFs, and folders labeled “IMPORTANT” ( even though I often forget about them!). This assignment about creating a digital commonplace book made me revisit my folders and evaluate my current organization system.

While researching digital organization strategies, I realized that my digital life might benefit from a makeover. While I’ve always relied on a folder-based system to keep things organized, I turned to Chat GBT and asked for ways to organize my notes. It gave me a few ways to maintain my folders and suggested apps like Evernote, OneNote, and Notion on how to manage and organize my commonplace book.

Curious, I tried my hands on Notion and found it user-friendly. While I haven’t fully adopted this app yet, my initial experiment with Notion has been promising. I’m excited to see how staying organized with Notion might help me retain information better and work more efficiently. It feels like a step in the right direction for my academic journey! It’s about time my gadgets got a makeover too 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Journey to Literacy

Writing

What is your earliest memory of writing?

Ans: My earliest memory of writing is scribbling on pieces of paper and drawing pictures alongside my doodles. Not sure what I was thinking back then, but I guess that I wanted to give some “visual backup” to my teacher to better understand my masterpiece.

What is your earliest memory of being taught to write?
I remember when I was learning cursive writing.  I found it fascinating to trace letters with colorful crayons. I would get so excited choosing my favorite colors and watching each curve come together.
My grandfather would sit beside me as he watched me trace the letters. He was my personal cheerleader and always gave the best advice.

Did your parents read to you?

Yes, my mother and grandfather did read out stories to me. But, I do not remember my father reading to me.

Did they have books lying around the house?
Not really. I had my school textbooks and some storybooks, which I borrowed from the library.

Did you have an influential school teacher and if so, what do you remember of them?
I have fond memories of my fifth-grade teacher, sister Lauren. The way she articulately read out stories made it so lively and engaging. I can still picture her expressive blue eyes and would credit her for igniting my love for reading.

What part did reading play in your development as a writer?
Reading has been an essential part of my development as a writer. It was like a writing coach who always guided me with grammar, vocabulary, and plot ideas. Books like To Kill a Mockingbird and plays by Shakespeare like Julius Caesar and Tempest gave me insight into how words can sway people’s emotions and decisions. Honestly, I still wish my writing could even come close to theirs—if I could capture just a bit of the depth and impact of their work, I would consider it a huge accomplishment.

Did you ever read a precis or watch a movie instead of reading the book?
I don’t think so! I have always enjoyed reading a book more than watching its movie adaptation. I recall reading “Pride and Prejudice” before seeing the movie, and I felt that the movie could not portray the inner struggles of Elizabeth Bennet as deeply as I felt while reading the novel.

Did you have an influential professor and if so, what do you remember of them?
One professor who really stood out in my academic journey is Professor Wankhede. She was my advisor during my Master’s program.  One thing I remember vividly is how she had been so patient throughout. Whether it was helping me narrow down my research focus, reorganising my ideas, or polishing my language, she consistently approached our discussions with patience and encouragement. “Let’s break this down together,” she would often say, which made complicated topics feel manageable. This way, she instilled in me the significance of clarity and precision in writing. Beyond the technical guidance, Mrs. Wankhede also helped me build confidence in my work. She believed in my potential even when I doubted myself and reminded me that writing is a process of growth, not perfection.


Describe your writing processes and behaviors.
My writing process is all about finding quiet moments to think and write. I prefer writing at night when it is peaceful and calm. It helps my thoughts flow, allowing me to dive deep into my ideas without distractions. For me, sharing my work with friends and peers gives me new perspectives and highlights areas where I can improve. Having someone else look at my writing makes it more refined. I always carry a notebook, taking notes or jotting ideas on pen and paper, which I find much more satisfying than typing. There’s something special about physically writing down my thoughts.

How do you teach writing?

As an instructor for ENGL 1101 and 1102, I cover key writing concepts like developing a strong thesis, organising ideas, and structuring paragraphs. I create a conducive environment where students feel empowered to express their ideas while honing their skills. Providing the students with a structured framework helps them through the writing process, which includes breaking down assignments into manageable steps—brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising. This way, the students can develop their ideas step by step. Providing clear rubrics and writing samples helps them understand expectations and see how effective arguments are constructed. I also promote peer reviews and provide constructive, individualised feedback that highlights both strengths and areas for improvement.

Reading

What is your earliest memory of reading?

I have been fond of reading since a young age. Out of the four siblings, I was the only one to get up early in the morning and wait for the newspaperman to deliver the newspaper. My parents always encouraged me to read books, be it comics or novels. Although my parents were never avid readers, they fostered a love for reading in me.

What part does reading play in your writing?

Reading helps me become a better writer! It helps me understand different writing styles, learn new words, and organise my thoughts in a coherent manner.

 Have you ever read a summary or watched a movie instead of reading an assigned book?
Well, honestly, I don’t like watching movies. I would rather read than watch a movie.

Does listening to someone read a book provide you with the same experience as reading it yourself? Elaborate.

No, I can understand better and enjoy when I read a book myself. When I read, I take time to reflect on each part. I feel there is a connection with the content and the author when I read. But when someone else reads aloud to me, I miss the connection.

Opining

Do you have an opinion about the present state of the economy?

No, I do not have an opinion

Do you have an opinion about NATO?

Unfortunately, no.

Do you have an opinion about the relationship between sacrifice and faith?
Yes, I think sacrifice and faith go hand in hand. Sacrifice means giving up something for a bigger purpose, and faith is what helps you take that step. For example, when I started wearing a headscarf for my faith, I chose to honor my beliefs. It wasn’t easy because I knew it would bring attention and questions, but my faith gave me the strength to do it. I believed that by making this small sacrifice, I was staying true to my values and getting closer to what I believe in.

Do you ever use words you can’t define?

No, I try to stick to words I know and feel comfortable using. I like to be clear in my communication, so if I come across any word/words that I am not familiar with, I first look up their definition and then use them. Plus, looking up and knowing new words helps me expand my vocabulary, which is a bonus!

How comfortable are you with saying, “I don’t know.”?
I have no hesitation in saying, “I don’t know.” It is better to admit that you do not know a certain thing rather than cut a sorry figure. I believe it’s important to be honest about what you don’t know rather than pretending or guessing.

 

Thinking

Do you have an internal monologue?
Yes, I do have internal monologue several times. The best time is when I am travelling with no interruptions around me.

Do you ever edit as you narrate to yourself?
Yes, I often edit as I narrate to myself. When thinking through ideas or trying to figure out how to explain something, I often find myself mentally restructuring my thoughts.

What is it like to think wordlessly?
Thinking wordlessly? For me, it feels like a disability; my brain depends on words to function. Thinking without words just doesn’t happen for me. Words help me understand everything around me, from my feelings to the little things I do every day, like deciding what to cook for the family. I wouldn’t be able to think straight, and even simple tasks would turn chaotic.

 Is there a difference between rationalizing and thinking?
Thinking seeks truth, while rationalizing runs away from it.

AIing

Have you used AI?

Yes, I use AI regularly.

How many times?

I use AI almost every day- be it to seek answers or explore some new ideas. I use it for my personal as well as my professional life.

Toward what ends?

I regularly use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity to brainstorm new ideas or explore different approaches to a project or lesson plan.

Current thoughts about it?

AI really surprises me! Whether it is composing a poem or helping with medical diagnoses, it can do almost anything I ask it to do. Of course, it can’t replace human creativity or the personal touch, but it has definitely made my life easier. At the same time, I am nervous about how quickly technology is advancing and the potential unintended consequences that come with it. Personally, I feel that it is crucial to strike a balance between embracing the possibilities it offers and being mindful of its impact on society and personal values.

 

 

 

 

Final Project Profile

Type and Purpose of the Project: This online portfolio is designed to support my job search as a rhetoric and composition major. The aim is to showcase my writing skills, academic achievements, and relevant experiences in a professional format.

 Client: As this is an online portfolio, I am my client. I am a doctoral student majoring in rhetoric and composition, and I am passionate about teaching. My academic background includes a Master’s degree in English Literature and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. I have over 18 years of experience as an English instructor. My credentials include a solid foundation in critical thinking, persuasive writing, and digital communication, equipping me to excel in diverse professional environments.

Audiences: The primary audience for my website consists of potential employers in the fields of education, writing, publishing, and corporate communications. This includes hiring managers and educators looking for candidates who can demonstrate strong rhetorical skills and a solid understanding of composition.

Professors, peers, and industry professionals would also be my audience who may provide references or job leads.

Content Design: The online portfolio will include the following content pages:

  1. Homepage: An engaging introduction that provides an overview of my portfolio and a brief personal statement highlighting my passion for rhetoric and composition.
  2. About Me: A comprehensive biography that outlines my academic journey, teaching experience, and key skills relevant to my career aspirations and personal interests.
  3. Writing Samples: A collection of my best writing pieces, including essays, research papers, and any published work showcasing my versatility as a writer.
  4. Teaching Philosophy: A statement outlining my approach to teaching writing and communication, reflecting my beliefs about student engagement and learning.
  5. Resume: A PDF version of my resume detailing my educational background, teaching experience, and relevant skills. It also includes my contact information, including my email address and LinkedIn profile.

 

White Paper: Design Thinking in User Experience (UX)

User Experience (UX) has become a cornerstone of successful digital products, providing users with intuitive and engaging interactions. One of the most effective approaches to UX design is Design Thinking. This white paper explores how Design Thinking can enhance the development process and provide solutions to user-centered problems.

Definition

What is User Experience (UX) Design?

User Experience (UX) Design is the process of creating products that offer meaningful and satisfying interactions to users. It is not limited to visual aesthetics but extends to usability, accessibility, and the overall user journey.

What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is an approach to problem-solving that focuses on understanding the user’s needs and redefining problems to develop innovative solutions. It involves a series of steps to address complex challenges and create user-centric solutions, including product design, service design, and business strategy. It is characterized by five core stages:Design Thinking

Empathize: In this stage, the focus is on understanding the needs, pain points, and motivations of the end-users. The goal is to put the user at the center of the design process and generate empathy towards their experiences. The activities in this stage include:

  • User Research
  • Interviews with users
  • Competitive Analysis

Define: Based on the insights gained from the previous stage, this stage’s goal is to define the problem or challenge clearly. The activities in this stage include:

  • Articulate user needs, insights, and pain points
  • Formulate the problem
  • Create Personas
  • Building Empathy Map

Ideate: This stage is about generating creative solutions to the defined problem. The focus is on generating as many ideas as possible and selecting the most suitable ones for further development.

  • Create solutions
  • Come up with User Journeys
  • Building the Information Architecture

Prototype: This stage involves developing tangible representations of the selected ideas. The primary goal is to test the ideas and gather feedback to improve the solutions. The activities in this stage include:

  • Create Paper prototype
  • Build Wireframes
  • Recommend style guide
  • Create final design

Test: In this stage, the emphasis is gathering user feedback on the prototypes developed in the previous stage. The goal is to refine and improve the solutions based on the feedback received. The activities in this stage include:

  • Conduct usability testing
  • Collect feedback
  • Iterate on the design and make necessary adjustments.
  • Implement the iterated design

History

Design Thinking has evolved from various disciplines over decades, shaping how we approach problem-solving today. Here’s a concise visual representation of its history:

Timeline

1960s:

  • Scientific Design: Efforts to apply science to design problems.
  • Horst Rittel: Coined “Wicked Problems” to describe complex design challenges.

1970s:

  • Herbert A. Simon: Introduced design as a way of thinking.
  • Robert H. McKim: Focused on visual thinking in problem-solving.

1980s:

  • Nigel Cross: Emphasized solution-focused design approaches.
  • Bryan Lawson: Studied differences in design vs. scientific problem-solving.

1987:

  • Peter Rowe: Published Design Thinking, analyzing the design process in architecture.

1990s:

  • IDEO: Popularized design thinking methods for non-designers.

2004-Present:

  • d.school: Established at Stanford, advancing design thinking in education.

Background

As technology has advanced, the need to design user-friendly digital products has become more critical. Users expect applications to not only perform tasks efficiently but also provide an enjoyable and intuitive experience. Traditional design methods, often focused on aesthetics or technical specifications, may fail to address real user problems.

Design Thinking, by contrast, starts with the user. It ensures that every design decision is made based on an empathetic understanding of user needs. In digital media production, this approach helps create products that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant and easy to use.

Applications

Design Thinking is a user-centered methodology widely used across various fields. Here’s a brief overview of its key applications:

Product Design and Development

  • User-Centric Approach: Focuses on understanding users’ needs to create innovative products.
  • Example: The development of the Apple iPod involved extensive user research for enhanced user experience.

Service Design

  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Creates seamless service experiences by analyzing customer journeys.
  • Example: Bank of America’s “Keep the Change” program improved customer engagement.

Digital Experience and User Experience (UX) Design

  • Interface Design: Helps create intuitive user interfaces through usability testing.
  • Example: Airbnb uses Design Thinking to refine its booking experience.

Education and Learning Environments

  • Curriculum Development: Engages students by tailoring learning experiences to their needs.
  • Example: The d.school at Stanford prepares students for real-world problem-solving using Design Thinking.

Business Strategy and Innovation

  • Strategic Planning: Fosters innovation and creativity within organizations.
  • Example: Coca-Cola applied Design Thinking to develop new beverage concepts.

Case Study – Task Panther

Project Overview

Task Panther is a simple yet powerful to-do application developed using Design Thinking principles. The main goal of Task Panther was to improve productivity by streamlining task management while offering an intuitive and engaging user experience.

Prototyping

Three prototypes of Task Panther were created using Microsoft’s GitHub Co-pilot, employing HTML, JavaScript, and CSS for web-based versions:

Todo App 0.0

Todo App 1.0

Todo App 2.0

Wireframing

The wireframes for Task Panther were created using Figma and an AI-based wireframe designer plugin, providing a visual representation of the application’s layout and user flow. These wireframes laid the groundwork for the iterative development of the prototypes.

Wireframe 1

Wireframe 2Wireframe 3

Usability Testing

The usability of the two prototypes was tested with real users to gather feedback on both versions. The findings from these tests allowed the team to refine the design based on user feedback, ensuring that the final version of Task Panther was easy to use, efficient, and visually appealing.

Conclusion

Design Thinking is a powerful tool for innovation that applies across various domains. Its focus on empathy, iterative testing, and collaboration enables organizations to create user-centered solutions that effectively address complex challenges. By continuing to integrate Design Thinking into their processes, businesses, and institutions can foster innovation and better meet the needs of their stakeholders.

References

Brown, T. (2008). “Design Thinking.” Harvard Business Review.

Dam, R. F., & Siang, T. Y. (2024, October 7). The history of design thinking. The Interaction Design Foundation. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/design-thinking-get-a-quick-overview-of-the-history

Norman, D. A. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition. Basic Books.

Naaz, A. (2024, April 27). https://sites.gsu.edu/anaaz1/2024/04/27/case-study-task-panther-a-todo-application/

Stickdorn, M., & Schneider, J. (2010). This Is Service Design Thinking. Wiley.

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, September 24). Design thinking. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_thinking

 

 

Analysis of Justdiggit Website

At a time when the world is reeling under the pressure of global climate change and environmental deterioration, Justdiggit provides just the right innovative solutions to restore our planet’s ecosystem. The website champions re-greening initiatives across Africa by inviting visitors to join the movement. Through a combination of personal narratives and colorful visuals, the website not only stresses on a call to urgency but also encourages the visitors to participate in combating this challenge and creating a greener future.

Background information

Justdiggit is working to restore degraded landscapes in Africa through re-greening projects. The website serves as a portal for the organization’s mission, projects, campaigns, and ways for visitors to get involved. It is intended for a global audience, including donors, partners, and individuals interested in environmental conservation.

Background

Analysis

The analysis can be broken down into the following design aspects:

Content

The website is virtually captivating, communicates urgency, and shows the impact of the work. It has a vibrant and modern design and uses a mix of interactive elements to engage visitors. The balance between the content and call to action motivates users to support the re-greening projects. The website’s content is focused on educating, motivating, and mobilizing visitors to support restoration efforts in Africa. The personalised narrative and visual imagery evokes empathy and pathos in the audience.

Audience

The intended audience for the website is diverse and caters to individuals and groups interested in conservation and climate change. The website relies on donors and partners to support the initiatives financially. Sections like ‘Donate’ and ‘Partners’ highlight the tangible impact of their contributions. The website calls out Supporters, Farmers, and Businesses, providing necessary information for collaboration and educational material to communicate its mission and encourage to participate effectively.

Interactivity

The website includes several interactive features, like

  • Interactive maps exploring different re-greening initiatives

  • Storytelling through videos

Navigation & Layout

The website has a navigation bar at the top, providing access to sections like ‘What we do,’ ‘Projects,’ ‘About Us,’ ‘News & Media,’ ‘Partner up’, and ‘Donate.’ A language toggle feature is provided to switch between various languages for a broader audience reach.

Color & Typography

The color scheme primarily comprises greens and browns, which resonates with Justdiggit’s focus on the environment. The website uses these before-and-after images to highlight the impact of various techniques, such as Treecovery, Water Bunds, and Grass seed banks.

Bold heading and large fonts is used in key sections to draw attention.

Graphics

The homepage instantly captures attention with full-width before and after images of the transformation.

The website uses infographics to quantify the impact of restoration. The statistics and figures appeal to the logic of the visitors.

Storytelling is a key component of the website. High-resolution videos and photographs illustrate the impact of Jestdiggit’s work.

Conclusion

The website is designed for various audiences ranging from students to activists who are environment-conscious and want to make a difference to our planet. The interactive layout of the website creates a sense of urgency among the audience and encourages visitors to participate in environmental initiatives. The unique way of storytelling, before and after images of the landscape and infographics, succeed in capturing the attention of the audience.

Case Study – Task Panther

Problem Statement

In today’s fast-paced world, individuals and professionals alike face the challenge of managing multiple tasks efficiently. Whether it’s personal errands or professional assignments, keeping track of various tasks and deadlines can become overwhelming. Traditional methods like pen and paper or basic digital notes often prove insufficient to handle the complexity and dynamic nature of modern life. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a task management solution that caters to the diverse needs of individuals and professionals, offering seamless organization, prioritization, and tracking of tasks across different aspects of their lives.

Possible Solutions

To enhance productivity and organization in users’ personal and professional lives, I have developed a digital solution that assists users in managing their tasks effectively. My primary objective is to create a user-friendly task management application called Task Panther [6][7] that helps users organize and prioritize their daily activities.

The potential solution for the Task Panther application includes a range of features designed to enhance task management and user experience. The application will display tasks as a list of checkboxes, with completed tasks indicated by a strikethrough or some visual clue. Users will be able to edit or delete tasks as needed, as well as clear all tasks at once or search for specific tasks using a search bar. Furthermore, users will have the ability to change the order of tasks by moving them up or down on the list and adding new tasks through audio input, providing flexibility and convenience in task management. Additionally, it will allow users to log in using their Google or Facebook accounts.

Design Process

The Design Thinking Process - How does it work? - MAQE - Insights

For the case study, I followed the ‘Design Thinking’ principles, which comprise five stages, and carried out specific activities to achieve specific goals. 

Empathize: In this stage, the focus was on understanding the needs, pain points, and motivations of the end-users. The activities in this stage included:

  • Conducting User Research
  • Interviewing with users

Define: Based on the insights gained from the previous stage, this stage’s goal was to define the problem or challenge clearly. The activities in this stage included:

  • Articulating user needs, insights, and pain points
  • Creating Personas

Ideate: This stage was about generating creative solutions to the defined problem. The focus was on generating as many ideas as possible and selecting the most suitable ones for further development. 

  • Creating prototype

Prototype: This stage involved developing tangible representations of the selected ideas. The primary goal was to test the ideas and gather feedback to improve the solutions. The activity in this stage included:

  • Building Wireframes

Test: In this stage, the emphasis was gathering user feedback on the prototypes developed in the previous stage. The goal was to refine and improve the solutions based on the feedback received. The activities in this stage included:

  • Conducting usability Testing
  • Iterating on the design and making necessary adjustments

User Research

Three users were interviewed using the following questionnaire [1] to learn how they organize their daily tasks and understand how they feel. 

  • Can you describe a typical day in your professional life?
  • What are the main tasks you need to accomplish daily?
  • What are the biggest challenges you encounter while managing your workload?
  • Can you walk me through any specific instances where you felt overwhelmed or frustrated with your tasks?
  • How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively?
  • Are there any time-consuming activities or processes that you find particularly burdensome?
  • How do you communicate and collaborate with colleagues or clients?
  • Have you experienced any difficulties in coordinating with team members or stakeholders?
  • What tools or technologies do you currently use to streamline your work?
  • Are any gaps or limitations in your current tools hinder your productivity?
  • How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst your busy schedule?
  • Are there any aspects of your work life that could be improved to alleviate stress?
  • What improvements or features would make your work life easier and more efficient?
  • Where do you see opportunities for innovation or enhancement in your professional workflow?

Following are the key quotes describing participants’ needs.

Participant 1 Participant 2 Participant 3
“I get very less time for tasks that needs my personal attention or contribution.”

“I use sticky notes and OneNote…”

“I wish there was a voice recorder…”

“I want it to be simple to use.”

“Prefer to use Google Keep.”

“Need an app which should work on my iPhone and browser.”

“Should be able to login with Google account.”

User Persona

Based on the interviews and analysis of the users’ behaviors, needs, and goals following personas [2] were created:

Busy Professional

Sarah

Name: Sarah Johnson

Demographics: Sarah is a 32-year-old female living in a busy urban area. She has a Master’s degree in Marketing and works as a marketing manager for a tech company.

Goals and Objectives: Sarah’s primary goal is to manage her work and personal tasks effectively in a busy environment. She wants to be able to prioritize tasks and stay on top of deadlines to maintain a work-life balance.

Pain Points: Sarah often feels overwhelmed with her workload and struggles to manage her tasks effectively. She finds it challenging to prioritize tasks and often ends up missing deadlines, leading to stress and anxiety.

Motivations: Sarah is motivated to use a to-do app that can help her stay organized, prioritize tasks, and achieve a sense of accomplishment. She wants to feel in control of her tasks and reduce her stress levels.

Behaviors: Sarah interacts with the to-do app frequently throughout the day, accessing it on her laptop and mobile phone. She uses the app’s features to categorize tasks by project, set reminders, and track her progress. She finds the app’s notification feature helpful in keeping her on track with her tasks.

Preferences: Sarah prefers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. She values a to-do app that integrates well with her existing tools, such as her calendar and email. She is willing to pay for a premium version of the app if it offers additional features such as team collaboration and data analysis.

Influences: Sarah is influenced by online reviews and recommendations from her colleagues and friends. She values a to-do app with a good security and privacy reputation. She is also influenced by the app’s customer service and responsiveness to user feedback.

Student 

Alex

Name: Alex Rodriguez

Demographics: Alex is a 20-year-old male pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He lives on campus in a college town.

Goals and Objectives: Alex’s primary goal is to stay organized and manage his coursework effectively. He wants to stay on top of his assignments, deadlines, and project timelines to maintain a good GPA.

Pain Points: Alex often struggles to manage his time effectively and prioritize his tasks. He finds it challenging to keep track of all his assignments, readings, and projects. He also experiences anxiety related to upcoming exams and deadlines.

Motivations: Alex is motivated to use a to-do app that can help him stay organized, focused, and productive. He wants to feel in control of his coursework and reduce his stress levels.

Behaviors: Alex interacts with the to-do app frequently throughout the day, accessing it on his laptop and mobile phone. He uses the app’s features to categorize tasks by class, set reminders, and track his progress. He finds the app’s notification feature helpful in keeping him on track with his tasks.

Preferences: Alex prefers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. He values a to-do app that integrates well with his existing tools, such as his calendar and email. He is willing to pay for a premium version of the app if it offers additional features such as team collaboration and data analysis. Alex also prefers a to-do app that offers a gamified experience, where he can earn rewards or points for completing tasks.

Influences: Alex is influenced by online reviews and recommendations from his classmates and professors. He values a to-do app with a good reputation for reliability and efficiency. He is also influenced by the app’s customer service and responsiveness to user feedback.

Prototype Evolution

As part of prototyping, two different versions of the application were created using Microsoft’s GitHub Co-pilot. The mockup was designed using HTML, JavaScript, and CSS and is currently hosted on W3Schools. Prototype usability testing [3] was conducted with the two participants. 

Task Panther 1.0

https://afshannaaz-todo-app.w3spaces.com/todo.html

 

Task Panther 2.0

https://afshannaaz-todo-app.w3spaces.com/todo2.html

 

Wireframes

The wireframes were created using Figma [4] and an AI-based Wireframe Designer [5] plugin. 

 
 

Reflection

As a student in the User Experience Research class, I have realized that UX Research is both an art and a science. It requires a balance of empathy and rigor, creativity, and analytics. The journey of creating this Task Panther app has been both challenging and rewarding. As someone relatively new to graphic design tools, understanding and using these tools required a significant investment of time and effort. Navigating through its features, understanding the principles of UI/UX design, and trying to translate conceptual ideas into visual representations posed a steep learning curve. This is where the online tutorials and resources helped me sail through this journey smoothly. 

Being a student of Composition and Rhetoric, the process of framing questions for interviews and surveys provided a unique opportunity to apply rhetorical principles in a practical context while also fostering a deeper understanding of communication dynamics. Drawing upon rhetorical strategies such as ethos, pathos, and logos, I learned to craft questions that not only elicited relevant data but also engaged participants on an emotional and intellectual level. This experience deepened my understanding of how language and rhetoric can influence attitudes and behaviors. In hindsight, while the process was not without its difficulties, the journey of creating this app has been invaluable in terms of personal growth and skill development.

Citation

[1] Naaz Afshan, March 2024, Week 8 – UX Research Interview, https://sites.gsu.edu/anaaz1/2024/03/01/week-8-interview/

[2] Naaz Afshan, Feb 2024, Week 7 – Personas, https://sites.gsu.edu/anaaz1/2024/02/23/week-7-personas/

[3] Naaz Afshan, Feb 2024, Week 5 – Usability Testing, https://sites.gsu.edu/anaaz1/2024/02/10/week-5-usability-testing/

[4] Figma, https://figma.com

[5] Figma Plugin – Wireframe Designer, https://www.figma.com/community/plugin/1228969298040149016/wireframe-designer

[6] Figma Plugin – MockRocket – 3D Mockups, https://mockrocket.io/

[7] Microsoft, “Microsoft Copilot Prompt: Create a logo for the Todo application called Task Panther.”, https://copilot.microsoft.com/

Book Review

UX Fundamentals for Non-UX Professionals: User Experience

Principles for Managers, Writers, Designers, and Developers

by Edward Stull

Are you wondering how to master the fundamentals of UX with confidence? Get Edward Stull’s book, which provides real-world examples. Published by Apress in 2018, this 363-page book is a prized resource for acquiring the skills to participate intelligently in discussions about UX design and research. 

 The author, Edward Stull, is a skilled designer and researcher who specializes in assisting teams to overcome user experience (UX) challenges, ranging from product design to digital marketing. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked with various international brands, national banks, and state healthcare exchanges. Edward is deeply interested in how people perceive, use, and promote UX.

The book is divided into four parts and provides a structured outline of the chapters and the topics covered in each chapter. Readers can easily locate a particular chapter or the

subtopic included in the chapter. Part I introduces the fundamental concepts of UX, with clear and concise explanations of UX terms and research. It equips readers with the necessary skills to confidently design user-friendly projects. It briefs the readers about the significance of UX design and research. 

Part II deals with ‘Being Human.’ Stull deals with human perception and attention, information retention, rationalization, equality, and narration. This is vital for readers to understand their audience better. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience’s needs before starting a project. In this part, he mentions that UX is a powerful persuasive rhetoric. This section on perception, rationalization, accessibility, and storytelling is essential for technical communicators who want to create content that truly connects with their intended audience.

 The book explains the fundamentals of UX, followed by chapters on human behavior, persuasion, and process, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of UX and its relevance to our lives. Edward Stull argues that when UX is intentionally designed, it leads to better user experiences and greater productivity. Personally, I loved the second part about understanding the world in a human way! It provided me with a comprehensive and engaging insight into the process. It briefs the readers about the significance of UX design and research. 

The author has used relatable real-world stories and analogies that make the crucial points easy to grasp. The book highlights the importance of prioritizing the user’s requirements, identifying potential clashes between business objectives and user choices, and comprehending how mental aspects such as perception and attention can significantly influence the achievement or lack of success of a product.

In this book, Stull asserts the pivotal role of user research and empathizing with users to make informed design decisions. He provides readers with pragmatic and practical techniques to conduct user interviews, create personas, and prototype solutions, empowering them with the confidence to apply UX principles in their respective domains and deliver exceptional user experiences.

This book is essential for mastering the fundamentals of UX. It empowers the reader with the skills required to actively engage in discussions about UX design and research while also providing a deep understanding of how UX affects all aspects of the business. With this book at your disposal, you will be well-equipped to make informed decisions and take charge of your UX journey.

The storytelling skill employed by Stull makes the content accessible and less intimidating. The use of real-world examples will surely bring a smile to your face. It is an excellent way to introduce anyone to the exciting world of UX. The clear, entertaining, and engaging writing style is devoid of technical jargon, thus making the book comprehensible to readers even without their expertise in UX. 

What truly sets this book apart is that it is suitable for a diverse audience. Whether you are in business or marketing or a computer science student wanting to gain a deep understanding of UX, this book is a perfect guide. This book is essential for anyone interested in UX, particularly beginners. It covers a comprehensive introduction, diverse topics, and practical suggestions.  

This book is a must-read for a person like me who has limited knowledge of UX design and research. It is an ideal resource for beginners as it covers fundamental UX concepts at a surface level. Get your copy today and get ready to improve your understanding of UX. With its engaging style and compelling content, this book is a game-changer.

Week 8 – UX Research Interview

Approach

Continuing my journey to explore the features needed to make the Todo App effective, I delved into another important stage of interviewing a user to understand their needs as part of the UX Research. This was the first time I conducted a UX Research interview. And I must say I enjoyed it!! Being on the other side of the table allowed me to understand the user’s needs, preferences, and pain points.

Preparation

I conducted a research interview with Mariam Shahbaz, a Sr. Manager at Fidelity Investments. Mariam is a busy professional and a mother of two, making her a perfect fit for my project. I wanted to find out how she prioritizes her chores and if she uses technology to stay organized. I prepared a list of questions and interviewed her over the phone, introducing myself and asking for her consent to record the conversation. I assured her that the questions were solely for research purposes.

As part of the preparation, I had the consent script and the questions to conduct the interview prepared in advance and were used as guidelines for the conversation. 

Consent

  • I’m conducting research to better understand the challenges faced by busy professionals like yourself in order to improve the design of productivity tools. Your insights will help us create solutions that better meet your needs.
  • During the interview, I’ll be asking you some questions about your work habits, challenges, and preferences. The session will last approximately 20 minutes.
  • Your responses will be kept confidential, and no personally identifiable information will be shared. Your insights will only be used for research purposes.
  • Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or wish to stop the interview, please let me know.”
  • Do you consent to participate in this research study, understanding that your responses will be used for research purposes only?
  • Do you have any questions about the research study or what participation involves before we begin?

Questionnaire

  • Can you describe a typical day in your professional life?
  • What are the main tasks you need to accomplish daily?
  • What are the biggest challenges you encounter while managing your workload?
  • Can you walk me through any specific instances where you felt overwhelmed or frustrated with your tasks?
  • How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively?
  • Are there any time-consuming activities or processes that you find particularly burdensome?
  • How do you communicate and collaborate with colleagues or clients?
  • Have you experienced any difficulties in coordinating with team members or stakeholders?
  • What tools or technologies do you currently use to streamline your work?
  • Are any gaps or limitations in your current tools hinder your productivity?
  • How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst your busy schedule?
  • Are there any aspects of your work life that could be improved to alleviate stress?
  • What improvements or features would make your work life easier and more efficient?
  • Where do you see opportunities for innovation or enhancement in your professional workflow?

UX Research Interview

The interview lasted approximately 10 minutes, with Mariam very forthcoming in answering most of the questions.  The transcript [1] of the discussion can be found below with key points highlighted:

 

Afshan Naaz 00:02
Good evening, Mariam. Good evening. Thank you for taking the time and, you know, being a part of this user experience. And the research that I’m conducting well to introduce I mean, you know, I’m Shawn, and I’m conducting this research to better understand the challenges faced by busy professionals like you. I’m doing this research in order to improve the design of the productivity tools. So, Mariam, basically, your insights will help us create solutions that better meet your needs. So during the interview, I’ll be asking you some questions about your work habits, challenges and preferences. This session will last approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and rest assured Meriam Your responses will be kept confidential and no personally identifiable information will be shared. Your insights will only be used for research purposes. Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. If at any point of time you feel uncomfortable or wish to stop the interview, please do let me know Meriam. Now do you consent to participate in this research study? Understanding that Your responses will be used for research purposes only? Yes, thank you, Maria, for your consent. Also, Mariam. Just wanted to let you know that I would be recording this. I do I have your consent for this. Yes. Thank you, Maria. Maria. And before we start, do you have any questions about the research study or what participation involves before we go ahead?

Mariam Shahbaz 01:56
Not really.

Afshan Naaz 01:57
Thank you, Mariam. Mariam, can you just describe about yourself give? Can you just give us an overview about your life and what do you do?

Mariam Shahbaz 02:09
So I’m a chapter leader and a financial firm. My morning starts with a team huddle. I lead to team so I get to meet my teams in the early morning hours. Rest of the day goes into project related meetings, Scrum events, one on one with my team members. I get very less time for tasks that needs my personal attention or contribution.

Afshan Naaz 02:34
Okay, Mariam. So what are the main tasks that you need to accomplish? Daily?

Mariam Shahbaz 02:43
Depends. Some tasks are pretty common throughout the weekdays, like meeting with the team and having a one on one interaction with the team members. chama totally dedicated to project related technical, prioritisation, prioritisation and other stuff. So that’s, that’s how my, you know, the entire work week goes. It’s less of less of individual contribution and more of collaboration. So, work week is spent more in meetings.

Afshan Naaz 03:19
Okay, Mariam. So what are your biggest challenges like you encounter while managing your workload, as you said, you have a lot of workload, so how you manage your professional as well as your personal life.

Mariam Shahbaz 03:35
Since most of my days goes in meeting, I just do not get enough time to prepare. And there’s, you know, I don’t get time to think outside the box, bring in new ideas. So a minute until I jot down everything for which I don’t get enough time. Oh,

Afshan Naaz 03:56
is it? Okay. All right, so how do you prioritize your tasks? And how do you manage your time effectively?

Mariam Shahbaz 04:07
I prioritize my tasks based on how important the ask is and how urgent it is. And if it’s both important and urgent, it gets my attention right away. If it’s either not important or not urgent, then it takes the second you know, preference and then and then the rest remains at the bottom. So I also try to, you know, timebox the task so that I can deliver the quality work while remaining focused. All

Afshan Naaz 04:43
right, all right. So I’m very sure with your busy professional life like it, it wouldn’t be difficult for you to manage at the personal level as well and prioritise things there as well, isn’t it? Yes, yes. So like it is Definitely, how do you manage? Or how do you list out your, your chores for your personal life as well? So do you maintain anything? Do you just scribble it somewhere?

Mariam Shahbaz 05:13
Yeah, so not that much for personal life or unless and until I have an event, upcoming event. So for that I, I use my computer. And again, the tools that I use is very common, be it professional or for personal use. I use sticky notes and OneNote a lot sticky notes for you know, just for an instant task that I need to add or something that I need to remember. And then I try to merge everything into one note, either end of day or, you know, end of week.

Afshan Naaz 05:56
Okay, so now when you said you use one note, are there any gaps or limitations like, you know, in that current tool that hinders your productivity? Have you ever thought about it?

Mariam Shahbaz 06:07
Yeah. I do not enjoy writing a lot. Yeah, I prefer. I prefer face-to-face meetings in person. So. So I wish I wish there was a voice recorder or something that

Afshan Naaz 06:27
comes to my next question. Meriam. So like, somewhere, you said voice recorded somewhere like Siri, Alexa? That’s what you’re talking about?

Mariam Shahbaz 06:38
Yeah, so if my organization is fine with using Siri and Alexa, right, yes, sure.

Afshan Naaz 06:44
Okay, any other features? Suppose I mean, you know, have you ever I mean, you know, since now you said you wish you had something of this sort, and you you hate to write or type it out. So, any other additional features you might want to Vish, I mean, you know, would be there in this kind of a tool?

Mariam Shahbaz 07:04
Yeah, so often, you know, once we are done with the day or week or month, the TAs keep remaining on the notepad adding adding volume to the existing documentation, right. So wish, if I can push the old task, then again, it shouldn’t be like auto delete or something, I should be able to select which task I want to keep in the list for future use, and which I can, you know, select for deletion. Okay,

Afshan Naaz 07:39
so you want a tab that can delete the task when when you know, they it’s over and done with, isn’t it?

Mariam Shahbaz 07:47
Yeah, not all, because sometimes you you want to keep a list of task that you have done in past for future use,

Afshan Naaz 07:55
right? Yeah. Have you ever tried other other apps like Google, or Google Keep or anything else? No, I haven’t. No, you haven’t. Okay. So you have a grid only? One of the tools? Okay, okay. All right, Maria. Um, so apart from the the features of Voice Recording, or maybe like, you know, the ability to delete, is there anything else

Mariam Shahbaz 08:25
that I could think of at this moment?

Afshan Naaz 08:26
Okay, okay. And something that has worked for you or did not work while you are using the current tool, as of now?

Mariam Shahbaz 08:40
No, not really.

Afshan Naaz 08:43
Okay. All right. I can understand Meriam the frustration especially with busy professionals, and being a mom so I can understand like how you must be juggling between so many, and especially when you have so many roles to play and you know, so many hats to wear at the same time. Okay, so thank you so much for your insights, Mariam. And before we leave for him, do you have any questions for me?

Mariam Shahbaz 09:11
No questions, but good luck with your research. Thank

Afshan Naaz 09:13
you. Mariam, thank you so much for your time. You’re welcome.

Analysis

Based on the interview, for Mariam as a busy professional, the following goals, frustrations, and pains can be interpreted:

Goals

  • As a busy professional, Mariam wants to manage her workload effectively and prioritize her tasks based on importance and urgency.
  • She wants to deliver quality work while remaining focused and timeboxing her tasks.
  • In her personal life, Mariam wants to manage her chores effectively and merge them into one place.

Frustrations

  • Mariam feels she doesn’t have enough time to prepare for tasks or think outside the box due to the number of meetings she attends.
  • She doesn’t enjoy writing and wishes a voice recorder or something similar could help her with note-taking.

Pains

  • Mariam feels she doesn’t have enough time for tasks that require her attention or contribution.
  • She struggles to manage her workload effectively due to the number of collaborations and meetings she has to attend.

Key Quotes

In Mariam’s own words, she describes her needs

  • “I get very less time for tasks that needs my personal attention or contribution.”
  • “I use sticky notes and OneNote…”
  • “I wish there was a voice recorder…”

Reflection

As I said, it was my maiden attempt at interviewing, I goofed up on the first attempt. I started interviewing the participant without realizing I had not turned on the recording! Embarrassed at my lapse, I apologized to the participant and started the interview again – making sure to record it properly this time.

During the interview with a busy professional, I gained valuable insights into their unique challenges and requirements regarding managing tasks and staying organized in a fast-paced work environment.

I could empathize with Mariam as she balanced her priorities between personal and professional life. Empathy is crucial for designing user-centric solutions that effectively resonate with the target audience and address their underlying needs. Mariam raised a few thought-provoking suggestions, like the need for a responsive and user-friendly mobile interface that allows quick task entry using audio to make a list rather than typing it. She also emphasized that the feature of deleting the chores as you finish the task would help streamline her list.

These insights will guide the design and development of the Todo App, ensuring that it effectively addresses users’ challenges in managing their busy schedules and maximizing productivity.

Citation

[1] Interview transcribed by https://otter.ai

Week 7 – Personas

Introduction

To create a successful website or product, understanding your users is crucial. Personas are a powerful tool to help you achieve this understanding. Personas are fictional characters representing the different user types interacting with your website or product. They are based on research and analysis of your users’ behaviors, needs, and goals. I will discuss two primary approaches to creating personas, qualitative and quantitative [1], and we will use the Quantitative approach for creating the personas from the previous ToDo application

Qualitative Personas

Qualitative personas are based on qualitative user research methods. Qualitative research is about discovering new things with a small sample size. User interviews and usability testing are examples of qualitative research methods [1]. With qualitative personas, you develop a deep understanding of your users’ behaviors, needs, and goals by talking to a few users. Qualitative personas are created by analyzing the data collected from qualitative research methods. This data is used to identify user behavior patterns and develop a set of characteristics that define each user type. These characteristics are then used to create fictional characters representing each user type. Qualitative personas are useful for identifying user needs and goals, as well as for developing design ideas and testing usability. They are also useful for communicating user needs and goals to stakeholders.

Qualitative Process

Quantitative Personas

Quantitative personas are based on quantitative user research methods. Quantitative research is about testing or proving something with a large sample size. Surveys and site traffic analysis are examples of quantitative research methods [1]. With quantitative personas, you develop a broad understanding of your users’ behaviors, needs, and goals by analyzing data collected from many users. Quantitative personas are created by analyzing the data collected from quantitative research methods. This data is used to identify user behavior patterns and develop a set of characteristics that define each user type. These characteristics are then used to create fictional characters representing each user type. Quantitative personas are useful for identifying trends in user behavior, as well as for validating design decisions. They are also useful for communicating user needs and goals to stakeholders.

Quantitative process

Creating Personas 

When creating a persona, there are some factors that need to be taken into consideration. These factors are listed as follows [2]:

  • Gather Data: Collect data from various sources such as user interviews, surveys, market research, customer support interactions, and analytics data. This data should provide insights into your users, their goals and pain points, and how they interact with your product or service.
  • Segment Users: Analyze the collected data to identify common patterns and characteristics among your user base. Segment users based on demographic information (age, gender, location), psychographic factors (lifestyle, interests, values), and behavioral traits (usage frequency, preferences).
  • Define Persona Attributes: Based on the identified segments, create detailed persona profiles that represent distinct user archetypes. Each persona should include attributes such as:
    • Name: Give each persona a fictional name to humanize them.
    • Demographics: Age, gender, location, occupation, education level, etc.
    • Goals and Objectives: What are their primary goals and objectives related to your product or service?
    • Pain Points: What challenges or frustrations do they encounter in achieving their goals?
    • Motivations: What motivates them to use your product or service?
    • Behaviors: How do they typically interact with your product or service? What features do they use most frequently?
    • Preferences: What are their preferences in terms of user experience, communication channels, pricing, etc.
    • Influences: What factors influence their decision-making process, such as recommendations from friends or online reviews?
  • Validate Personas: Once you’ve created persona profiles, validate them with real user data and feedback. Conduct user interviews or surveys to gather input from representative users and ensure that the personas accurately reflect their needs and behaviors.
  • Prioritize Personas: Prioritize personas based on factors such as their impact on business goals, size of the user segment, and alignment with the product’s strategic objectives. Focus on personas that represent the most significant opportunities or pose the greatest challenges for your product.
  • Use Personas for Decision-Making: Incorporate personas into your development process to guide decision-making across all stages, from ideation and design to development and marketing.
  • Iterate and Update: Regularly revisit and update personas based on new data, user behavior changes, or market trend shifts. Keep personas dynamic and reflective of evolving user needs to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness in guiding product decisions.

Sample Personas

For the Todo App, I used Open AI ChatGpt and Microsoft Copilot to fill in details [3][4] and create the images [5][6] for the Busy Professional and Student Quantitative personas.

Busy Professional

Sarah

Name: Sarah Johnson

Demographics: Sarah is a 32-year-old female living in a busy urban area. She has a master’s degree in marketing and works as a marketing manager for a tech company.

Goals and Objectives: Sarah’s primary goal is to manage her work and personal tasks effectively in a busy environment. She wants to be able to prioritize tasks and stay on top of deadlines to maintain a work-life balance.

Pain Points: Sarah often feels overwhelmed with her workload and struggles to manage her tasks effectively. She finds it challenging to prioritize tasks and often ends up missing deadlines, leading to stress and anxiety.

Motivations: Sarah is motivated to use a to-do app that can help her stay organized, prioritize tasks, and achieve a sense of accomplishment. She wants to feel in control of her tasks and reduce her stress levels.

Behaviors: Sarah interacts with the to-do app frequently throughout the day, accessing it on her laptop and mobile phone. She uses the app’s features to categorize tasks by project, set reminders, and track her progress. She finds the app’s notification feature helpful in keeping her on track with her tasks.

Preferences: Sarah prefers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. She values a to-do app that integrates well with her existing tools, such as her calendar and email. She is willing to pay for a premium version of the app if it offers additional features such as team collaboration and data analysis.

Influences: Sarah is influenced by online reviews and recommendations from her colleagues and friends. She values a to-do app with a good security and privacy reputation. She is also influenced by the app’s customer service and responsiveness to user feedback.

Student 

Alex

Name: Alex Rodriguez

Demographics: Alex is a 20-year-old male pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He lives on campus in a college town.

Goals and Objectives: Alex’s primary goal is to stay organized and manage his coursework effectively. He wants to stay on top of his assignments, deadlines, and project timelines to maintain a good GPA.

Pain Points: Alex often struggles to manage his time effectively and prioritize his tasks. He finds it challenging to keep track of all his assignments, readings, and projects. He also experiences anxiety related to upcoming exams and deadlines.

Motivations: Alex is motivated to use a to-do app that can help him stay organized, focused, and productive. He wants to feel in control of his coursework and reduce his stress levels.

Behaviors: Alex interacts with the to-do app frequently throughout the day, accessing it on his laptop and mobile phone. He uses the app’s features to categorize tasks by class, set reminders, and track his progress. He finds the app’s notification feature helpful in keeping him on track with his tasks.

Preferences: Alex prefers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. He values a to-do app that integrates well with his existing tools, such as his calendar and email. He is willing to pay for a premium version of the app if it offers additional features such as team collaboration and data analysis. Alex also prefers a to-do app that offers a gamified experience, where he can earn rewards or points for completing tasks.

Influences: Alex is influenced by online reviews and recommendations from his classmates and professors. He values a to-do app with a good reputation for reliability and efficiency. He is also influenced by the app’s customer service and responsiveness to user feedback.

Citations

[1] Steve Mulder and Ziv Yaar. 2006. The user is always right: a practical guide to creating and using personas for the web (First. ed.). New Riders Publishing, USA.

[2] OpenAI. “ChatGPT Prompt: As a UX Researcher, how would you create personas?.” ChatGPT 3.5, https://www.openai.com/chatgpt

[3] OpenAI. “ChatGPT Prompt: Create a Quantitative persona of a Busy professional for a ToDo application.” ChatGPT 3.5, https://www.openai.com/chatgpt

[4] OpenAI. “ChatGPT Prompt: Create a Quantitative persona of a Student for a ToDo application.” ChatGPT 3.5, https://www.openai.com/chatgpt.

[5] Microsoft. “Microsoft Copilot Prompt: Create a real image of “Sarah, a 32-year-old female living in a busy urban area. She has a master’s degree in marketing and works as a marketing manager for a tech company.” Microsoft Copilot, https://copilot.microsoft.com/

[6] Microsoft. “Microsoft Copilot Prompt: Create a real image of “Alex, a 20-year-old male pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He lives on campus in a college town.” Microsoft Copilot, https://copilot.microsoft.com/