Scratch for All
The goal of Scratch for All is to help students engage with the programming platform Scratch.mit.edu through step-by-step visual blocks, kinesthetic activities, and lesson plans.
Collaborative Project
2/2022-5/2022
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I conducted research on target users and the existing market. I interviewed teachers and observed students using Scratch in order to understand their frustrations in creating projects. I also researched existing Scratch resources and other programming apps designed for children.
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I designed activities, lesson plans, and learning tools to support students in using Scratch based upon research, testing, and observations.
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I created prototypes based on needs assessments, observations, and initial ux research. After testing initial prototypes, I made iterations based on feedback.
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I tested the product with 6 students and made design iterations based on their feedback.
Problem 🤔
Based on observations, interviews, and UX research, children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and autism struggle to get started creating projects using the coding platform, Scratch.mit.edu.
Opportunity 👐
How might we help students learn to create projects using the Scratch coding software?
Field Research 🔍
6 Elementary School Teachers interviewed
Teachers reported that students with dyslexia struggled reading the Scratch blocks
Teachers reported students with dyslexia and autism were frustrated and overwhelmed when learning the software.
6 Special Ed students observed
Students were unsure of what to do when going to the “create” tab
Students struggled to read the blocks
Students asked for print out directions
Design Idea 💡
Step-By-Step Visual Directions
Step-by-step print-out directions with visuals
Teachers can download step-by-step task cards for students to follow and learn different foundational Scratch concepts.
Visual Blocks
Print out visual blocks to help students understand what each block represents
Teachers can download print-out visual blocks that pair with the instructional task cards.
Lesson Plans
Students can follow lesson plans in order to support the instructional cards and visual print outs!
Prototyping 📦
We spent weeks Scratch, existing Scratch resources, and other CS programming experiences for kids. We designed prototypes based upon research and testing data. She examples of prototypes here.
Testing 🧪
We tested our prototype with 6 students and made design iterations based upon feedback and observational data.