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How to design edtech dashboards: part 2—design examples

By Adam Black

Here's a short deck illustrating how to design more actionable edtech dashboards for educators applying the eleven principles I've previously published (combining practices from data visualization, education research, and cognitive science) to a fictional higher-education courseware product

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How to design impactful edtech: evidence levels to guide why, when, and how to invest in efficacy research

By Adam Black

Investing in efficacy research can sound like an indulgence for an edtech startup that’s moving quickly and staying lean. But from experience taking many major edtech products to market, I’ve found that smart investments in efficacy research will help you to design edtech that’s more impactful and more competitive—and faster. Here’s a short deck showing how to use levels of evidence to frame your competitive ambition, investment case, and roadmap.

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How to design a persuasive Impact Mission: example—Perlego’s 2022 Impact Report

By Adam Black

An Impact Report helps build trust with customers by sharing your ambitions to do good. But too often the Impact Mission of an edtech business is independent from their Strategy. Annual Impact Reporting is then an exercise in whitewashing. By contrast, a learner-centered Impact Mission attracts great talent. And if your Impact Mission is your Business Strategy, it can propel teams to achieve outsized results. It’s a privilege to help Perlego design their Mission and Reporting.

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How to design edtech dashboards: part 1—eleven principles

By Adam Black

Edtech can deliver powerful insights to teachers and learners. But, as data gets richer, edtech designers have to work harder to make it understandable and actionable. Here's a short deck of design principles I've developed over two decades (combining practices from data visualization, education research, and cognitive science) and recommended reading.

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Outcomes-driven design

By Adam Black

Outcomes-driven design puts your customer first. It keeps you and your teams focused on what your customers are trying to achieve. It enables you to engineer edtech to deliver greater value. It’s a paradigm changer. Here’s a powerful visual analogy.

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How to design edtech for impact

By Adam Black

Great edtech delivers value by empowering teachers and helping learners to advance. But how do you design to achieve these outcomes? After two decades leading product, technology, and R&D teams, here are six key lessons.

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