Folha's Digital Platform

As a Product Designer, I was tasked with redesigning the digital platform for Folha, Brazil's largest platform for contests and exams. Folha had a strong presence in the print market but was looking to enhance its digital offering to cater to a younger, tech-savvy audience.

Challenge

In a nation where competitive exams are a gateway to countless opportunities, Folha has long been a beacon of hope for aspiring professionals. As Brazil's pioneering platform for exam preparation, Folha has been at the forefront of educational technology for decades. Born from the pages of a renowned newspaper, Folha has evolved from a traditional print publication to a comprehensive digital learning hub. The platform's legacy is rooted in its commitment to providing high-quality educational resources to students across the country. Recognizing the increasing demand for personalized and accessible learning experiences, I embarked on a mission to redesign Folha's digital platform, transforming it into a modern and intuitive learning environment that empowers students to achieve their academic goals.

While the existing website had a loyal following, it presented opportunities for improvement. The navigation, though functional, could be more intuitive, and the overall design could benefit from a more modern aesthetic. We saw these as chances to create an even more comprehensive and enjoyable platform for students.

To address these opportunities, I embarked on a comprehensive redesign process.

Process

To ensure a user-centric approach, I employed the Design Thinking methodology throughout the project.

1 - Empathize:

  • Conducted in-depth stakeholders interviews to understand the needs, pain points, and goals of both existing and potential Folha Dirigida users.

  • Observed users as they interacted with the current platform to identify usability issues firsthand.

  • Created empathy maps to visualize users' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

2 - Define:

  • Synthesized research findings to define the core problem: the existing platform was outdated, with a cluttered interface and a suboptimal user experience, hindering user engagement and satisfaction.

  • Developed a clear and concise problem statement: "How might we create a digital platform that provides a seamless and engaging learning experience for students preparing for exams?"

3 - Ideate:

  • Generated a wide range of ideas for improving the platform through brainstorming sessions.

  • Created user flows and wireframes to visualize potential solutions and test different design concepts.

  • Explored innovative features like personalized learning paths, interactive quizzes, and social learning communities.


4 - Prototype:

  • Developed high-fidelity prototypes of the redesigned platform using Figma.

  • Conducted view testing with a group of stakeholders to gather feedback on the design.

  • Iterated on the designs based on user feedback.


Based on my findings, I developed a new design system that focused on:

  • Intuitive navigation: A clear and hierarchical structure to guide users effortlessly.

  • Modern and clean design: A visually appealing interface and consistent design system.

  • Personalized learning: Features such as personalized study plans and adaptive learning paths.

  • Enhanced search functionality: A robust search engine to help users find the content they need quickly.

Landscape and Design System

In today's rapidly evolving digital education landscape, revamping platforms like Folha Dirigida is imperative. Design Systems and redesigns aren't merely aesthetic enhancements but strategic tools to optimize the learning experience. By establishing a robust design system, we unified the platform's visual and functional language, making navigation more intuitive and content interaction more effective. With the redesign of Folha Dirigida, we aimed not only to modernize the interface but also to enhance the student journey, from course selection to activity completion. By aligning the platform with the latest pedagogical and technological trends, we ensure that Folha Dirigida remains a trusted partner in the educational journey of thousands of students.

Results

We developed a clean design system to ensure consistency and scalability across the platform. This system included a detailed component library, typography guidelines, and a color palette aligned with the Folha brand. To enhance user experience, we implemented a card-based layout for course content, providing a clear and visually appealing way to present information. Additionally, we developed a strategic search function, allowing users to quickly find specific content through natural language queries.

Optimizing the platform for various screen sizes was paramount. By leveraging a responsive design framework, we ensured the user interface adapted seamlessly to different devices.

The redesigned platform features a clean, clutter-free interface, making it easier for users to navigate and access essential features.