HOMER Learn & Grow

Lead Product Designer
Kids App Ages 2 - 8

I had the unique opportunity at HOMER to set the foundation for a new, cohesive digital product strategy and app architecture from the ground up. My task: to design a flexible, multi-subject app program that is intuitive for kids ages 2-8, supports our vast (and growing) collection of educational content, seamlessly transitions existing members, and aligns with our new visual branding.

Navigation

My biggest challenge was designing the app architecture to support our huge library of content ranging from videos, books, and interactive games across a number of subjects. We merged content from two apps into one, and also added Math into our curriculum. I explored many directions with our larger team, held brainstorming workshops, and created prototypes for kid testing until we landed on our direction for launch: a very shallow architecture with a flexible grid of categories organized by kids’ age and emotional scheduling needs.

Usability

Consistent UI patterns support intuitive navigation and help kids feel like they are in control. Building a new product allowed me to streamline our button styles, states, and positioning to create an organized design system from the start. We tested all our new buttons and illustrations with kids to ensure they were communicating effectively.

Building it

I collaborated directly with our engineering team through the design and implementation process to bring features to life. I’m always iterating on ways to best communicate features while still pushing the bounds of what’s possible in a native environment.

Delight

I am a huge champion for including smart, playful details — especially for kids products — as a way to keep users engaged and delighted during their experience. A few examples you’ll find throughout the Learn & Grow UI are shown below.

Early Inspiration

We put together several mood boards during our brand and product explorations at the start of 2020. These were a few selects that inspired my work leading up to the final designs.