contributions:
Visual Design
UX
UI
User Testing
Management
Illustration
Infographics
Prototyping
Production
AMPLIFY LEARNING, INC.
Role: PRODUCT DESIGNER
Dates: AUGUST 2012 - August 2019
Location: BROOKLYN, NY
Amplify Learning is an EdTech company that develops hybrid print/digital curriculums for Science, English Language Arts and Math.
amplify + the lawrence hall of science
As a Product Designer at Amplify, my primary role was leading the production of 48 units of elementary and middle school science curriculum. This four-year project involved managing a team of designers and working closely with curriculum developers at the legendary Lawrence Hall of Science.
anatomy of a science unit
In an Amplify Science unit, students step into the role of scientists, engaging in hands-on learning as they use tablets to simulate real-world investigations, work collaboratively to explore complex questions and use printed reference materials to deepen their understanding.
My work at Amplify Science centered on three key areas: curriculum content, content distribution, and printed reference/classroom materials. Additionally, I was responsible for recruiting and managing both remote and in-house design teams.
MODELING TOOLS & SIMULATIONS
featuring:
Visual Design
UX
UI
Prototyping
User Testing
As students progress through an Amplify science unit, they use digital simulations and modeling tools to conduct hands-on experiments, craft arguments and record observations.
I played a key role in developing these tools by managing design teams, creating original artwork, interfaces, and iconography, applying UX/UI best practices and conducting user testing.
PROJECTED MATERIALS
featuring:
Visual Design
Mangement
Infographics
Illustration
Style Guides
Amplify Science projected materials include slide decks, videos, and interactive presentations that help facilitate lessons by guiding discussions, illustrating scientific concepts, and providing structured learning experiences.
For these assets I managed production schedules, contributed visual design and illustration, developed style guides and managed on-site and remote teams of designers. *Spider models by the friendly neighborhood Martin Collet.
Content Distribution APPLICATION (CDA)
featuring:
Visual Design
UX
UI
Prototyping
User Testing
The CDA is a digital hub where students and teachers can access all essential class materials, including lesson content, e-books, games, simulations, and reference resources.
I contributed to UI and UX explorations, designed iconography and interface elements, and implemented key features such as printable teacher guides and Spanish translations to enhance accessibility and usability. *Amazing chapter illustrations by Tory Novikova.
DOCUMENTATION AND SPECS
featuring:
UX
Production
Packaging
Style Guides
From developing user personas and mapping user journeys to flight-checking materials for digital development or commercial printing, clear and detailed documentation is essential throughout the product development process.
I created comprehensive project documentation, including wireframes, style guides, and digital and pre-press production files, ensuring consistency and precision.
illustrations
featuring:
Visual Design
Illustration
Infographics
Online
Illustrations play a crucial role in Amplify’s curriculum, whether guiding students through real-world experiments with clear diagrams or bringing complex scientific concepts to life with detailed visuals.
I contributed illustrations across a wide range of print and digital Amplify products, spanning content, marketing, and product development.
VIsual design & ui Exploration
featuring:
UX
UI
Protoyping
User Testing
Style Guides
Visual design is more than decoration: it forges emotional connections with the audience, enhances user experience and maintains brand consistency across a product line.
At Amplify, I had the opportunity to explore and refine the use of color, typography, illustration, iconography, and interface styles across a variety of apps, simulations, and online tools.
Dynamically generated teacher guides
featuring:
UX
UI
Online
Style Guides
Amplify’s curricula come with a vast amount of documentation. To help teachers navigate this material, I collaborated with the development team to create dynamically generated teacher guides.
This feature allows teachers to select specific sections of the guide and compile them into a streamlined mini-book. With everything educators juggle throughout their day, this project helped lighten their load both physically and mentally.
district reports wireframes
featuring:
UX
UI
Protoyping
User Testing
Style Guides
The District Reporting Tool collects key usage and performance metrics, enabling superintendents to assess the effectiveness of Amplify products across entire school districts. With both high-level and detailed insights, they can identify where Amplify products are driving success and pinpoint schools, classes, or teachers that may need additional support.
but Wait, There's more!
In terms of design work, it was all hands on deck at Amplify. Something different every day!
Printed Kit materials
Package Design
Microsites
iconography
voiceover work
in-house presentations
the takeaway
All 48 units of Amplify Science were completed on schedule, and since launching in spring of 2017 is currently being used by over 5 million students. You can learn more about Amplify's full product offering here.
Designers at Amplify wear a LOT of hats.This afforded opportunities to contribute to the product in a variety of different ways.