Case Study
Case Study
Mirror: an interactive reflection station for students and teachers.
Mirror: an interactive reflection station for students and teachers.
Mirror: an interactive reflection station for students and teachers.
Summary
Summary
In October 2023 our whole team started working on a new project: an AI-powered reflection station for students and teachers. The goal was to build a tool for a perfect reflection experience and bring this technology to classrooms across the US. Reflection is what makes us who we are and what we can become. It’s essential to both learning and social-emotional development. Accelerating reflection through technology can offer a new path forward through human development challenges in the modern world.
In October 2023 our whole team started working on a new project: an AI-powered reflection station for students and teachers. The goal was to build a tool for a perfect reflection experience and bring this technology to classrooms across the US. Reflection is what makes us who we are and what we can become. It’s essential to both learning and social-emotional development. Accelerating reflection through technology can offer a new path forward through human development challenges in the modern world.
My Role
My Role
Product Designer in a team of 5 designers
Product Designer in a team of 5 designers
Timeline
Timeline
October 2023 - now
October 2023 - now
Discovery
Discovery
Competitive analysis
Competitive analysis
We conducted a competitive analysis to identify commonalities among competitors and gather valuable insights for building our product. This research allowed us to differentiate ourselves and provided a basis for product development.
We conducted a competitive analysis to identify commonalities among competitors and gather valuable insights for building our product. This research allowed us to differentiate ourselves and provided a basis for product development.
User Interviews
User Interviews
Swivl already has a successful case of the launch of a popular product for schools, consequently, we already have a friendly community of teachers that helps us to define the main user needs at the beginning of the development Mirror. The product manager’s team conducted several problem-discovery interviews.
Swivl already has a successful case of the launch of a popular product for schools, consequently, we already have a friendly community of teachers that helps us to define the main user needs at the beginning of the development Mirror. The product manager’s team conducted several problem-discovery interviews.
Example screening questions:
What difficulties have you encountered in post-Covid school life?
How do you encourage students to improve their social-emotional skills?
What is your definition of reflection?
How often do you make reflections with your students? Describe please the process.
How do you analyze reflections? What insights do you expect to get?
What difficulties have you encountered in post-Covid school life?
How do you encourage students to improve their social-emotional skills?
What is your definition of reflection?
How often do you make reflections with your students? Describe please the process.
How do you analyze reflections? What insights do you expect to get?
Some of the identified opportunities:
Because of the isolated education during the Covid, teachers focus now on the setup of the classrooms: working in small groups, and learning how to collaborate. The top priority is to get back a close connection in the relationships “student-student” and “student-teacher”.
Because of the isolated education during the Covid, teachers focus now on the setup of the classrooms: working in small groups, and learning how to collaborate. The top priority is to get back a close connection in the relationships “student-student” and “student-teacher”.
Students’ lives are filled with more engagement than they can handle, and arguably less reflection than they need. The reflection that is part of their school experience is too limited.
Students’ lives are filled with more engagement than they can handle, and arguably less reflection than they need. The reflection that is part of their school experience is too limited.
All teachers agreed with the expression “Reflection helps students to build a better mind to think with” and tried to incorporate regular reflection practices for learners and themselves as well.
All teachers agreed with the expression “Reflection helps students to build a better mind to think with” and tried to incorporate regular reflection practices for learners and themselves as well.
The Challenge
The Challenge
While working on this project we (the design team) encountered multiple challenges because Mirror is a product not only for students but also for teachers.
Most of the teachers in the US believe in the power of reflection in the modern approach to education because that helps students analyze their learning progress and develop metacognition skills. However, a majority of the students struggle with boredom during reflection because they are answering the same set of questions each time. They feel frustrated because they don’t know what to say and easily lose focus on this activity.
While working on this project we (the design team) encountered multiple challenges because Mirror is a product not only for students but also for teachers.
Most of the teachers in the US believe in the power of reflection in the modern approach to education because that helps students analyze their learning progress and develop metacognition skills. However, a majority of the students struggle with boredom during reflection because they are answering the same set of questions each time. They feel frustrated because they don’t know what to say and easily lose focus on this activity.
Challenge #1
Create interactive and engaging experiences of the reflection process for students of all grades
Another audience of the users is teachers. Unfortunately daily working routine of the teacher in the US school is pretty busy and full of paperwork. On the one hand, they are open to the introduction of new technology that helps to simplify their work but on the other hand, teachers are already overwhelmed with the huge amount of work and they don’t have enough time and desire to incorporate something new.
Another topic for debate that is extremely popular among school workers is using AI technology in the educational process. People have controversial opinions about that and some of the teachers are scared that it may cause harm to students. Based on that information we can define challenge #2
Create interactive and engaging experiences of the reflection process for students of all grades
Another audience of the users is teachers. Unfortunately daily working routine of the teacher in the US school is pretty busy and full of paperwork. On the one hand, they are open to the introduction of new technology that helps to simplify their work but on the other hand, teachers are already overwhelmed with the huge amount of work and they don’t have enough time and desire to incorporate something new.
Another topic for debate that is extremely popular among school workers is using AI technology in the educational process. People have controversial opinions about that and some of the teachers are scared that it may cause harm to students. Based on that information we can define challenge #2
Challenge #2
Create an intuitive understandable interface for teachers to quickly understand the emotional stage in the classroom and provide valuable personalized feedback.
Create an intuitive understandable interface for teachers to quickly understand the emotional stage in the classroom and provide valuable personalized feedback.
Product Architecture
Product Architecture
Crazy brainstorming 🪄
Crazy brainstorming 🪄
We started creating the interface with wireframes to help clearly define the structure and functionality of the product. As a first step, we conducted several brainstorming sessions with the product managers team and created low-fidelity wireframes. That helps us create a super-raw visual story to describe the concept of the product and start developing a more detailed interface. Also, that really helped us to explain ideas to the engineering team and involve them in the early stages of the development process.
We started creating the interface with wireframes to help clearly define the structure and functionality of the product. As a first step, we conducted several brainstorming sessions with the product managers team and created low-fidelity wireframes. That helps us create a super-raw visual story to describe the concept of the product and start developing a more detailed interface. Also, that really helped us to explain ideas to the engineering team and involve them in the early stages of the development process.
User flow
User flow
We created a visual user flow to align with the team on feature functionality before designing the interface. This also contributes to a smoother navigation experience, helping users accomplish tasks efficiently.
We created a visual user flow to align with the team on feature functionality before designing the interface. This also contributes to a smoother navigation experience, helping users accomplish tasks efficiently.
Wireframes
Wireframes
We created wireframes for our product to establish a clear and cohesive visual structure before delving into the detailed design and development phases. Wireframes allow us to outline the primary layout, navigation, and functionality of the product in a simplified manner, ensuring that all team members have a unified understanding of the user experience.
We created wireframes for our product to establish a clear and cohesive visual structure before delving into the detailed design and development phases. Wireframes allow us to outline the primary layout, navigation, and functionality of the product in a simplified manner, ensuring that all team members have a unified understanding of the user experience.
Functionality
Functionality
When we set out to build a reflective solution for students, our first thought was to explore if we could truly automate the reflection process. Could we discover a way to make reflecting fun and engaging for students? At the same time, could we build a solution that provides teachers with robust and unbiased insights about each of their students? And, on top of it all, could this solution require minimal time and effort from teachers? With the help of AI, we created a tool that met all of these requirements.
When we set out to build a reflective solution for students, our first thought was to explore if we could truly automate the reflection process. Could we discover a way to make reflecting fun and engaging for students? At the same time, could we build a solution that provides teachers with robust and unbiased insights about each of their students? And, on top of it all, could this solution require minimal time and effort from teachers? With the help of AI, we created a tool that met all of these requirements.
Mirror fully automates the reflection process for students. It takes less than 3 minutes to set up the device and record a reflection. Its unique design allows the device to be set up anywhere, so students can record reflections when they’re ready, or when they’re prompted by their teachers.
Mirror fully automates the reflection process for students. It takes less than 3 minutes to set up the device and record a reflection. Its unique design allows the device to be set up anywhere, so students can record reflections when they’re ready, or when they’re prompted by their teachers.
Reflect anytime
Reflect anytime
Anytime students can begin a reflection by picking their name from the list of students. This initiates a conversation with their AI-reflected self.
Anytime students can begin a reflection by picking their name from the list of students. This initiates a conversation with their AI-reflected self.
The device asks reflection questions based on the settings of the teacher.
The device asks reflection questions based on the settings of the teacher.
What students say about reflection experience 🎓
What students say about reflection experience 🎓
Customize reflections
Customize reflections
To achieve this goal we designed an experience where, in 30 seconds or less, a teacher can add a goal, customize prompts that are generated based on this objective, and set the best response time.
To achieve this goal we designed an experience where, in 30 seconds or less, a teacher can add a goal, customize prompts that are generated based on this objective, and set the best response time.
A highly important priority was to create a fully customizable experience for individual approaches for each student or small group of learners.
A highly important priority was to create a fully customizable experience for individual approaches for each student or small group of learners.
Work and reflect in the small groups
Work and reflect in the small groups
Also with the device teachers can set up workspace for small group classrooms and add detailed instructions that engage students and build more connected learning experiences.
Also with the device teachers can set up workspace for small group classrooms and add detailed instructions that engage students and build more connected learning experiences.
Whiteboard
The Workspace’s learning tools aren’t just for group directions and management, they are also for making learning visual. Students will be presented with the same directions and a visual thinking canvas. They can work on math problems, mind maps, sketching skills, and more!
The Workspace’s learning tools aren’t just for group directions and management, they are also for making learning visual. Students will be presented with the same directions and a visual thinking canvas. They can work on math problems, mind maps, sketching skills, and more!
Recharge activities
Learning is stressful. Part of adapting to transitions in the classroom is figuring out how to quickly calm down and refocus from task to task. And reflection’s role in learning makes it worth making sure the transition was effective. To aid that, Mirror has a wide selection of tools for Recharging exercises – all of which take less than 2 minutes to minimize disruption. Exercises can be selected for their calming or energizing effects, or for whatever you think is appropriate for the classroom at that time.
Learning is stressful. Part of adapting to transitions in the classroom is figuring out how to quickly calm down and refocus from task to task. And reflection’s role in learning makes it worth making sure the transition was effective. To aid that, Mirror has a wide selection of tools for Recharging exercises – all of which take less than 2 minutes to minimize disruption. Exercises can be selected for their calming or energizing effects, or for whatever you think is appropriate for the classroom at that time.
Reflection dashboard
Reflection dashboard
After reflection mirror analyzes and assesses the reflection across multiple dimensions, and provides almost instantaneous feedback.
After reflection mirror analyzes and assesses the reflection across multiple dimensions, and provides almost instantaneous feedback.
Mirror makes it easy to track progress over time, and provide evidence of learning.
Mirror makes it easy to track progress over time, and provide evidence of learning.
Try mirror on Web or Mobile!
Try mirror on Web or Mobile!
You can try mirror software on your computer or download a mobile application. In the mobile app, only part of the experience is available, but full feature sets are coming soon.
You can try mirror software on your computer or download a mobile application. In the mobile app, only part of the experience is available, but full feature sets are coming soon.
Promotion and Feedback
Promotion and Feedback
After releasing Mirror software our US team started a huge promotion campaign to share information about the project. The main strategy was to attend different educational conferences across the country, go to the schools, make webinars, and tell teachers about new reflection station.
After releasing Mirror software our US team started a huge promotion campaign to share information about the project. The main strategy was to attend different educational conferences across the country, go to the schools, make webinars, and tell teachers about new reflection station.
At the first stage, Swivl offers to sign up for the Demo program. It means that schools can experience Mirror for 30 days for free to understand the real value of the product. As a result, many teachers ordered the device. By March 2024 more than 500 units were successfully delivered to the schools and teachers actively are using them.
At the first stage, Swivl offers to sign up for the Demo program. It means that schools can experience Mirror for 30 days for free to understand the real value of the product. As a result, many teachers ordered the device. By March 2024 more than 500 units were successfully delivered to the schools and teachers actively are using them.
What users said?
What users said?
As a result of the demo program, we receive a huge amount of feedback from teachers and their students.
As a result of the demo program, we receive a huge amount of feedback from teachers and their students.
This is helping us streamline our teachers’ reflections. They’re able to use Mirror to reflect on what went well and not-so-well during their classes.
Instructional Coach, Texas
I have 104 students. With automated reflections on Mirror, I am able to invite all of my students to reflect regularly and bring feedback to them almost instantly. I no longer have to be their evaluator - I can be their coach.
Technology Instructor, Ohio
Mirror is a low-impact way for teachers to use AI that also has a high-impact yield for students. Mirror pushes students to go deeper and takes that pressure off of teachers.
Principal, Tennessee
The feedback I received from my first reflection hooked me. It repeated back main points which made me feel like it was really listening and understanding what I was trying to articulate.
Principal, Ohio
This tool helps my students develop their reflection, communication and critical thinking.
Media Specialist, Georgia
This is helping us streamline our teachers’ reflections. They’re able to use Mirror to reflect on what went well and not-so-well during their classes.
Instructional Coach, Texas
I have 104 students. With automated reflections on Mirror, I am able to invite all of my students to reflect regularly and bring feedback to them almost instantly. I no longer have to be their evaluator - I can be their coach.
Technology Instructor, Ohio
Mirror is a low-impact way for teachers to use AI that also has a high-impact yield for students. Mirror pushes students to go deeper and takes that pressure off of teachers.
Principal, Tennessee
The feedback I received from my first reflection hooked me. It repeated back main points which made me feel like it was really listening and understanding what I was trying to articulate.
Principal, Ohio
This tool helps my students develop their reflection, communication and critical thinking.
Media Specialist, Georgia
What’s next?
What’s next?
The main job now is to improve current design solutions, solve existing problems that we found based on the user’s feedback. This feedback we are getting from the multiple sources: from the onboarding meetings (where client setup the device for the first time), from the product expert and support team that is closely communicating with each customer individually, from the Zendesk tickets.
The main job now is to improve current design solutions, solve existing problems that we found based on the user’s feedback. This feedback we are getting from the multiple sources: from the onboarding meetings (where client setup the device for the first time), from the product expert and support team that is closely communicating with each customer individually, from the Zendesk tickets.
Based on this information we are brainstorming ideas how to improve current solutions or add new features. All thought we write down on the colorful stickers to see the big picture clearly. The product team helps us to validate and prioritize new changes and after final approve we update the roadmap and started detailed work on the implementing design.
Based on this information we are brainstorming ideas how to improve current solutions or add new features. All thought we write down on the colorful stickers to see the big picture clearly. The product team helps us to validate and prioritize new changes and after final approve we update the roadmap and started detailed work on the implementing design.
Info under NDA
Info under NDA