Enhancing ESL Program for Adult Immigrants
We collaborated with the Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL), a public library in Jersey City, New Jersey. The JCFPL offers not only books but also valuable services such as ESL classes, language programs, legal assistance, and cultural experience programs to help immigrants integrate seamlessly into the local community. The main goal was to streamline the registration process, improve learning management for ESL classes, and thereby increase student engagement and registrations
Client
Jersey City Free Public Library
Team
Suvina, Hannah, Rain, Sue
Project Timeline
3 months
View Live Website
JCFPL Registration >
Awards and Recognition
IMPACT
15% increase in Enrollment
We observed an increase in student registrations within three weeks after implementing the new registration page and posters.
8/10 users liked the app
User satisfaction among ESL students increased when we demonstrated the Anchor app.
A learning management system for ESL classes at the Jersey City Free Public Library
OVERVIEW
Free ESL classes at JCFPL are great, and while they offered great english learning programs, many potential students were struggling to even get started with the classes.
The Jersey City Free Public Library's ESL program needed a comprehensive solution to improve accessibility and engagement for adult immigrants. Our team streamlined the registration and developed Anchor, a Learning Management System that enhances the learning experience at the JCFPL Library.
We shadowed, observed, and talked to students from different ESL classes to understand the challenges they face in class registration and during their learning.
RESEARCH METHODS
1.
Competitive Analysis
Started with desk research and competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities.
2.
Ethnographic Research Methods
Next, we used ethnographic research methods by shadowing and observing ESL classes and student interactions
3.
Surveys and Interviews
We interviewed over 10 ESL students and surveyed more than 40 adult immigrants interested in joining or attending ESL classes to understand their challenges.
PROBLEM
The complex registration process and fragmented learning experiences posed significant obstacles for non-English speaking adults wishing to enroll in ESL classes at the JCFPL library.
Non-English speaking adults at Jersey City Free Public Library faced significant barriers in accessing and engaging with ESL classes due to a complex registration process and fragmented learning experience. This hindered their ability to improve their English skills and integrate into the local community.
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
The research uncovered several critical issues.
1. English proficiency impacts daily life and some students also felt embarrassed or scared to speak in social situations.
“Speaking English daily, like at school or the market, is difficult. I often rely on others to translate, making me feel dependent and embarrassed. I want to speak confidently.”
- Student 1
2. The library had some great free resources like free legal consultation, workshops and ESL classes but no one was using it.
"Our library has excellent resources for American integration, but students rarely know about it or use them..."
- Jane, Instructor"
3. The main issue was that the registration process was overly complex and outdated, which discouraged users from signing up.
"The most difficult part was the registration. I had to ask my husband to help me as we had to use Skype and a very long registration document process before we had our interviews and joined the class."
- Student 2
4. The disorganized data system led to confusion and made it difficult to track learning progress and attendance.
“I nearly failed last semester due to low attendance. At least 80% is needed to pass, but I don't know where to check it.”
- Student 2
DESIGN PROCESS
We gathered teachers, administrators, and students in one room to collaboratively explore improvements based on our research insights.
In collaboration with our project sponsor, Eric, along with students and instructors, we organized a co-design workshop to brainstorm solutions that addressed the registration processes, program engagement, and overall learning experience for adult immigrant students. We then synthesized our insights and focused on identifying feasible opportunity areas by targeting high-impact, low-effort solutions.
Co-Designing Workshop
Co-design prompt cards
Service blueprint
Synthesis
Persona
Journey Mapping
Information Architecture
DESIGN GOALS
Based on our research we had two goals for the project:
1.
Design a flexible, gamified learning management app tailored for ESL classes at the JCFPL library.
2.
Simplify the outdated and complicated seven-step registration process on the main website.
CHALLENGE 1
Anchor, Learning Management App
How can we enhance the educational experience for immigrant, non-English speaking adults over the age of in ESL classes at the Jersey City Free Public Library?
01. Home
DESIGN ITERATIONS
Hypotheses
Students struggle to track attendance and assignments, essential for maintaining the mandatory 80% attendance for free classes.
Strategy
Create an intuitive dashboard that prominently displays critical information and provides easy access to core functionalities.
Solution
Implemented a clean homepage displaying attendance rate, pending assignments, and quick-access buttons for core features.
02. E-Learning
Hypotheses
Traditional language learning assignments feel disconnected from real-world applications, leading to reduced engagement and motivation.
Strategy
Redesign the learning experience around practical, scenario-based content with gamification elements to increase engagement.
Solution
Developed interactive lessons based on daily situations like shopping, dining, and healthcare, with progress tracking and achievements.
03. AI Genie
Hypotheses
ESL students lack opportunities to practice speaking English in a low-pressure environment.
Strategy
Develop an AI conversation partner that helps students practice without fear of judgment.
Solution
Created an AI tutor that provides speaking practice, pronunciation feedback, and conversation transcripts.
04. Resources & Community
Hypotheses
Students seek both language learning and social connections through ESL classes.
Strategy
Build a social platform that combines learning support with community building.
Solution
Created a community space with user-generated content, group discussions, and resource sharing.
CHALLENGE 2
Redesigning the registration page for JCFPL library
Streamlining the complicated registration process into a clear and simple format on the website.
01. Registration Page
Hypotheses
The complex, English-only registration process deters potential ESL students.
Strategy
Simplify registration and make it accessible to non-English speakers.
Solution
Converted the 10-step process into a simple, multilingual Google Form.
We then launched multilingual posters equipped with QR codes to break language barriers and increase program accessibility for non-English speakers, ensuring they can easily discover and engage with our services.
To enhance accessibility and reach for our ESL program, we created multilingual posters featuring QR codes.
These were strategically placed in key locations to address the previous challenge where information primarily in English limited discovery by immigrants with limited English proficiency.
This initiative ensured that non-English speakers can easily find and participate in the free ESL classes.
FINAL DESIGN SOLUTIONS
01. HOME
Overview for Easy Access to Attendance and Assignments
The Home Tab serves as the gateway to the user's learning journey, offering a concise overview of their upcoming classes, recent assignments, and progress. It's designed to provide a quick snapshot of the learner's daily tasks and achievements.
02. E-LEARNING
Interactive Learning through Real-World Scenarios
This tab introduces AI-powered conversation practice and engaging real-world scenarios, making learning interactive and relevant. Users can practice language skills in stress-free environments, receiving immediate feedback.
03. AI GENIE
Personalized Conversation Practice with AI Genie
AI Genie offers simulated conversations using artificial intelligence, allowing learners to practice speaking and listening in a controlled setting. The tool adapts to the user's skill level, providing tailored challenges.
04 COMMUNITY AND RESOURCE TABS
Building a Supportive Network
The Community Tab fosters connections among learners, while the Resources Tab offers access to a broad selection of materials to support the learning journey.
05 Website Registration Page
Simplified Registration with Multilingual Language Options
We simplified the ESL registration process to a straightforward Google Form, eliminating the previous seven-step procedure that overwhelmed the users from signing up for classes. This was done to make enrolling in the ESL classes more accessible and encouraging for potential learners.
DESIGN SYSTEM
Brand Evolution & Visual Identity
Our visual design system builds upon JCFPL's heritage while creating a fresh, modern identity for the digital platform. We maintained the library's core blue and yellow color palette but refined it with a brighter, more vibrant blue to enhance digital readability and a warmer yellow to create a welcoming atmosphere. The typography features SF Pro, chosen for its excellent legibility across devices and clean, professional aesthetic. This combination of familiar brand elements and contemporary design choices creates an interface that feels both trustworthy and approachable for ESL learners while maintaining strong ties to the library's established identity.
Video
REFLECTIONS
“I was truly blown away by their final product. They spent weeks getting to know the students that we serve, and their project absolutely reflected this.”
— Eric Trader (JCFPL Learning Center Director)
Our project's success, which earned us the 2024 Innovation by Design Awards and UX Design Awards, came from how well we worked together as a team. As the project lead, I made sure everyone had a voice in our decisions and could share their ideas freely. Each team member brought different skills to the table - from research and design to technical knowledge. We met weekly with the library staff to make sure our ideas would work well for them, and we regularly talked with ESL students to check if our solutions actually helped solve their problems.
We kept our project on track by breaking the work into two-week chunks with clear goals. We met briefly each day to share updates and solve any problems quickly. By keeping in close touch with the library director and staff, we were able to create better solutions, like making it easier to sign up for classes and adding an AI tutor to help students practice English. Winning these awards shows that our way of working together and focusing on what users really need can lead to solutions that make a real difference.
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