TRAINING COURSE
CANSOFCOM virtual force online orientation training website
Collaborators: Solo Project
Tools Used: Wordpress, Google Workspace, Adobe Photoshop
Roles : Project Manager, UX Design
Time : May - August 2020
Challenge
Choosing a new platform to host the CANSOFCOM virtual force online orientation training and redesign the website for future students who will be working with CANSOFCOM
Design Goals
Accessibility: when choosing a platform it is important for it to be easily obtainable and easy to use to not only redesign the website but for users to navigate
Interactivity: is it possible to consider some gamification elements or increase engagement and interactivity while students familiarize themselves with the content
Security: need to consider if the platform chosen is secure and if there are any additional methods to protect the website
Choosing a platform was one of the primary objectives of redesigning the online orientation website for CANSOFCOM. The purpose of the training course is to familiarize students who are employed by CANSOFCOM (also known as the Virtual Force) before starting work. I looked into several platforms and compared them based on different factors. As I mentioned some of the design goals to take into consideration were accessibility, interactivity and security.
Finding the Right Platform
Comparison Diagram of all the researched platforms
Although there were many things to consider, accessibility was one of main factors I looked into since it is extremely important. Accessibility features include usability, compatibility and attainability. Usability is how easy is it to use for administrators and the Virtual Force. Compatibility is if it is available on web browsers and mobile devices. Attainability is how easy it is to acquire, if there is a monthly subscription or additional costs. Each platform was evaluated based on these factors.
Comparison chart of researched platform based on accessibility
After careful consideration and many presentation proposals to my sponsor, the Virtual Force Manager (representative from CANSOFCOM who runs the recruitment of the Virtual Force), Wordpress was selected. It took in all the accessibility considerations and many more.
Chart of Wordpress and its accessible features
Gamifying Training Modules
Originally, during the early stages of redesigning the website it was suggested to create a more engaging experience for users by adding gamification elements. Some of the applications that were looked into for inspiration were Duolingo, and Unreal's online Learning Courses. Some of these elements include a scoring system, form of rewards and personalization. With these elements it was important to create a potential userflow chart and how a user may be navigating throughout the website.
A user flowchart of a student completing the training course with gamification elements
Unfortunately, after selecting Wordpress as a platform to host the new online orientation course, these gamification elements needed to change and become much more simple. The training course only needs to be completed once and would not need to be revisited like Duolingo. Therefore, in order to create a simple and engaging experience while learning, quizzes were added in some modules to test the knowledge of the user. This is more of a traditional approach similar to most educational courses online and it was the most preferred direction from the Virtual Force Manager.
Example of a Module with a Quiz on the website
Protecting the content and the users
The Virtual Force Manager made it clear that security was one of the main factors they were hoping the platform had. It was vital for the information to not be manipulated in any way so that the Virtual Force will not be fed any false information. Luckily, Wordpress already had all these things taken into consideration as well as additional add ons to have even better security along with all the other design goals in mind.
Takeaways
As a coop experience I was fortunate enough to have been given an opportunity to work on a project that would be used in the future. It allowed me to learn how important it is to consider budget constraints and how it can change the overall design. It also provided me with a brand new working experience working alone on a project. It made me focus on time management and scope to create a sufficient product. As well as learn how to build a relationship with my sponsor and produce something they wanted. In order to create a product they liked, I had to update my sponsor regularly with weekly meetings and presentation proposals this actually gave me the opportunity to improve several of my skills such as project management, time management and communication skills. I even got to learn how to develop a simple website with users in mind by designing the ui and ux with careful consideration.
