The SchoolBundle app is a powerful tool for schools boards. It lets them create customized communication across their very own iOS and Android app that meet their specific needs.

This case study shares how the SchoolBundle app has improved the user experience making communication and engagement between schools, students, parents, and faculty better.

Background

Traditionally, school boards struggled with effective communication and engagement, often resorting to outdated systems (think paper handouts sent home in the students backpack) and fragmented channels between the school, teachers, students and parents. This created inefficiencies when sharing vital information. As parents, we knew there was a better way.

Introducing the SchoolBundle App

The SchoolBundle app emerged as a comprehensive solution, offering school boards the ability to have their very own mobile app. Building on the foundation of the SchoolBundle cms (content management system), a fully branded iOS and Android app was built. Now school boards could connect their website, parent portal and online classrooms into one app. This not only streamlined communication, but also put the power of customization in the hands of our customers.

Putting the User First

The UX design of SchoolBundle app was rooted in a deep understanding of the education sector's intricacies. Before writing any lines of code, we talked with parents, teachers and students to find out what they wanted. This was priority one. Extensive user research led to the creation of personas and detailed user journey maps, ensuring that the app was intuitive and user-friendly. From there, we tested out different prototypes, ranging from black and white wireframes to complete interactive prototypes, to test our assumptions.

Features and Customizations

The SchoolBundle app boasts an array of features that empower school board communication. These include push notifications for announcements, calendar updates, student timetables, and the ability to integrate school branding seamlessly. The customization options are limitless, allowing each school to craft an app that reflects its unique identity.

User Testing

User testing played a pivotal role in refining the UX of the SchoolBundle app. Regular feedback sessions and usability tests allowed us to make iterative improvements, resulting in an app that catered precisely to what parents and teachers were telling us they wanted. Users praised the app's ease of navigation and its role in enhancing parent-teacher interactions.

The Results

The impact of the SchoolBundle app has been profound. It was by far the most popular feature within the SchoolBundle solution. I was proud of the work that I was able to play with our team to bring this app to life. School boards using the platform have reported a significant increase in parent engagement, improved communication among teachers and students, and a reduction in administrative overhead. Testimonials from school board members underscore the transformative effect of the app on their institutions.

Lessons Learned

Developing the SchoolBundle app was not without its challenges, but each hurdle was an opportunity for growth. We learned the importance of flexibility and adaptability in an ever-evolving educational landscape. These lessons have informed our ongoing commitment to improvement.

Looking ahead, the SchoolBundle team is committed to further innovation. Personalized user experiences, expanding integration capabilities and ensuring the app’s scalability are all on the horizon to meet the evolving needs of our school board customers.

Conclusion

SchoolBundle has emerged as a game-changer in the education sector, putting the power of mobile communication and engagement in the hands of school boards. Over the course of a few years, over a dozen school boards across Canada now have their very own app! It’s a testament to the success of the platform and app.

The SchoolBundle app is one piece of this puzzle. By prioritizing UX design, customization, and user feedback, SchoolBundle has not only bridged communication gaps but has also empowered schools to thrive in the digital age.

References and Acknowledgements

I was just one of the many talented people that had the opportunity to work on this wonderful app. I would like to acknowledge the contributions of our team members, school board partners, and the broader educational community in making the SchoolBundle app a reality.

Role / Creative Director

Deliverables / Product Wiki, Wireframes, App Prototype, UX Review, Final App

Website / iOS App Store, Android App Store