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Learner Description

Next Steps…

This project was a huge undertaking in comparison to the semester's timeline. In the future would conduct post-test interviews to improve chapters, research with hair stylists for learner needs, and add a screener to exclude familiar participants.

Hover over each point to see what I will tackle next time!

Points

Post test interviews

Preliminary research

Screener

Design

As a part of this project, I created various figures throughout the lesson. Using Canva and Affinity Designer I was able to edit pictures from multiple online resources and form intuitive infographics.

Given that Box Braiding is complex, I wanted to be effective in my use of graphics. Therefore, I followed the Multi Media & Contiguity principles, and directly accompanied each graphic with further explanatory text. In addition, given the step based nature of braiding, I incorporated the Signaling principle, through use of color coding. View the slide show below, I've included some notable infographics from the lesson.

Swipe to view notable infographics from the lesson

I also wanted the lesson to celebrate the beauty and versatility of ethic hairstyles. I sourced default images on Canva and then created a dynamic color story, using Affinity Designer. These images and others alike, serve as guides in the lessons and "teach" learners as they progress through chapters.

Assessment Method

To measure knowledge, the lesson begins with a pre-test and ends with a final test. In the final test, should learners answer incorrectly, they are given the specific chapter to refer back to. Each chapter also includes pop quizzes and extra resources to aid retention.

Results

I invited 12 participants to take the lesson and then conducted statistical testing. Results of the paired t-test indicated that there is a significant large difference between before (M= 0.4, SD = 0.2) and after (M= 0.7, SD = 0.2), t(11) = 5.4, p <.001. Therefore, the majority of participants gain knowledge between rounds.

The lesson will be a guide to learn how to Box Braid. In order to begin braiding learners must understand the time element at play, know how to blow dry their hair, and be familiar with rudimentary geometry, (mainly how to form squares). The following chart shows the corresponding Bloomian Knowledge and Cognitive dimension, for all four objectives.

Prerequisite Knowledge

There are many braided styles that have gained traction in the extensive African hair history. However this lesson will focus on the core style, that is the root of many braiding patterns—the Iconic Box Braid

During this guide I will first teach learners how to part their hair into individual boxes, forming a grid of sorts. Then I will show learners how to plait their sectioned off hair, in said boxes. Thirdly, learners will see how they can then crochet or loop extensions into the existing plait. Lastly I will show how they should then braid the extension loose hair and natural plait together.

The following chart shows the corresponding Bloomian Knowledge and Cognitive dimension, for all four objectives.

Learning Objectives

Figure out Learner Audience

Create Learning Objectives in Bloomian Terminology

Form Lesson, Assessment Method, & Conduct Testing

Create Prerequisite Knowledge Objectives in Bloomian Terminology

Goals

This project came about as a term assignment for a Learner User Interface course at DePaul University, with professor Peter Hastings. I created an E learner system that can teach textured hair persons, how to culturally style their hair into Box Braids. I worked alone, and was the sole UI Designer and Researcher.

Brief

Many Black, African and Afro-Latinx persons, enjoy the creativity that comes with braiding their hair and love finding new ways to express themselves. Additionally, many opt to braid their hair in efforts to avoid damage and save money and time. However, this trade has yet to be fully taught within a comprehensive application, leaving many to disjointedly source tips from multiple blogs and YouTube videos. This E-learning guide, will unpack a core style, that is the root of many braiding patterns–the Iconic Box Braid.

Problem

Role

Sole UX/UI Design + Brand Designer, Primary Researcher

2 months

Timeline

Tools

Canva, Affinity Designer

Mind Smith