Web Platform Design: Empowering design software learning with a collaborative tool and streamlined search.

Abstract

This master thesis mainly focuses on how the process of learning and finding the most suitable design software for a user’s need is promoted to aid learners’ experiences and motivations. Towards this scope, the thesis suggests a web platform design that presents a way of searching software and collaboration opportunities with peers share mutual goals. Throughout the process, the current accessibilities, and options, expert reviews, and user expectations were evaluated with the help of user-centered design principles. The design software learners and experts were interviewed regarding their learning process of design software and their way of utilization. In addition, experts shared their valuable knowledge around experiences in this regard. This resulted in the ground for the necessary specifications, features, and design choices. In light of the insights and research, low-high fidelity mock-ups were created during the development of the website. During the iteration process, the participants were asked to evaluate these mock-ups and give feedback on the overall design. All led the final design of a software search platform that collects every necessary information for software seekers and provides easy links to access various websites and courses from one place, as well as collaborative sessions that are useful for finding people who have similar goals and learning together.