Cybersmarties

Redesigning a Secure Social Learning Platform for Children

Cybersmarties logo

Since August 2024, I have been working with CyberSmarties Ltd., an educational platform dedicated to online safety, education, and wellbeing for children. In my role, I have been leading a comprehensive redesign aimed at enhancing user-friendliness, visual appeal, and engagement, ensuring an accessible, enjoyable experience for young users. Due to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), I am currently awaiting approval on specific project details I may include in my portfolio.

Overview

I was responsible for the complete UX workflow for Cybersmarties, a secure social learning platform promoting online safety, responsible digital behaviour, and emotional wellbeing for children. The project aimed to improve the look and feel, usability, and engagement through age-appropriate interfaces for children aged 6 to 12.

Visualization of the usability problems in hotel booking sites
Visualization of the usability problems in hotel booking sites

The Challenge

The platform required a redesign to address usability challenges, modernise its visuals, and enhance engagement. A key focus was reimagining the emotional check-in system (Claire Bot) to make it more engaging and intrinsically motivating for children. This feature supported self-reflection and emotional learning for children while collecting wellbeing data for teachers, making consistent engagement critical.

Approach and Process

Analysis

After initial stakeholder discussions, I conducted a UX audit to identify pain points and opportunities, including:

  • Mapping the current platform, user flows, and analysing information architecture.
  • Creating customer journey maps and personas to uncover friction points and user needs.

Design

I proposed solutions through consultations, wireframes, and prototypes respectively, and applied iterative refinements based on feedback. I also redesigned the UI, including icons, colour palettes, typography, and layouts to create visually engaging, age-appropriate interfaces.

For the emotional check-in system, I introduced a digital pet concept that encouraged children to check in voluntarily. Rewards like stickers and profile customisation fostered intrinsic motivation, and made the system more engaging.

Results

Impact

The redesign received positive stakeholder feedback and provided a strong foundation for future development. The digital pet concept offered a more engaging alternative to the existing wellbeing check-in system while supporting the platform’s mission.

Key Takeaways

This project strengthened my ability to lead UX processes, from stakeholder engagement to delivering actionable designs. It deepened my skills in designing for younger audiences, creating engaging wellbeing tools, and motivating users through rewarding experiences.