This time around we had some exciting projects for students who were enrolled in the course “studies on media and education management” at the University of Education Weingarten. We offered them the opportunity to participate in the further development and improvement of our products, e.g. the user experience.
So as soon as they finished their tests, two groups of students of the fourth semester put their books aside and picked up the “tool belt” to proof their skills in two (construction) projects.
Their challenges: On the one hand (1st project), to improve the user experience during the first-time use of our Avira Scout browser. On the other hand (2nd project), to create an interactive prototype which teaches the complex security and privacy features of Avira Scout in a joyful and memorable way.
The students used and applied methods and principles of the user centered design process in order to collect observations, ideas, and suggestions for improvement from our users. These insights helped them to find user-friendly solutions and therefore to succeed in their (construction) projects.
Not just the user experience of the Scout browser got improved
We from Avira supported the students along the way: Whenever a “nail” went missing or a construction plan was lost – we were there to lend them a helping hand.
Once all the observation and feedback were collected, the three students drilled, hammered, serrated, rasped, burnished, and filed at the existing concepts. They only stopped once they had a brand-new and improved prototype of the new concept for both projects.
After an exciting prototyping phase, the students introduced their new concepts to us in our headquarters in Tettnang. Lead developers, security experts, and product management provided feedback, critique, and – of course – praise.
We congratulate the students for mastering this media projects successfully!
Since the safety helmets shouldn’t start collecting dust, we’re looking forward to numerous further projects with schools and universities and a continued cooperation with the University of Education Weingarten.
I also would like to thank Teresa Walter who contributed in developing the idea and creating the images.