Product Strategy
Project Case Study :: Define the vision
Case Study Overview
Thinkster’s product strategy required an overhaul of their approach to how students learn with technology in order to compete with other gaming apps that were more enjoyable and easier to use than their own app. Based on my initial research, competitive analysis, and studying of techniques within the gaming industry, I created a presentation deck outlining our approach for the client’s new product.
You can view the full presentation at the bottom of the page.
Presentation Goals
- Focus on the student.
- Show that we understand their user needs and determine the learning paths to follow based on their educational model and philosophies.
- Understand different types of gaming personalities to help meet the expectations of various gamers.
- Learn how to create engagement and foster habitual learning.
- Embrace positive psychology principles and strive to create an inclusive product, not an “elite” one.
Brand Affinity
We started the presentation with discussing Thinkster’s brand and how we see them. By discussing the Brand Affinity model, we talked to them about how they portray themselves today and where we want them to go.
The Learning Journey
Throughout the presentation, we discussed the learning methodologies and learning objectives that are part of a student’s learning journey. We established alignment with the client on how students should be learning in this new model.
Gaming Personas
Beyond the typical product personas, there exist four main personas within the gaming industry that capture how gamers like to play games. By identifying these personas and understanding their behaviors and desires, we can create a more enjoyable experience for a diverse group of players.
Gamification & Engagement
Here, we shared with the client some typical gamification techniques that we can use to increase engagement within the learning experience. It was important for us to avoid using addictive or deceptive techniques, which the client was often in favor of. Therefore, it was critical for us to build empathy and trust with the client by explaining how these techniques can help them achieve better engagement within the app.
Positivity & Community
The current app lacks a sense of belonging and encouragement within the learning journey. There is no meaningful connection to other players beyond ranking, which creates a siloed experience with limited opportunities for self-improvement and self-esteem building. Here we discussed how to create a community of users, and how to make it more personable and be more inclusive.
