From Bio-Engineering to UI/UX Design: Theresa Okonofua’s Inspirational Journey as an Edtech UX Designer

Educational technology (edtech) and user experience (UX) design have taken center stage in building engaging and intuitive learning platforms. Edtech UX designers face the distinct challenge of creating solutions that serve diverse groups, including students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Each group has unique needs, different levels of technical ability, and varying educational goals. As this field evolves, so does the demand for designers with strong UX expertise, a deep understanding of learning science, and a commitment to accessibility. It makes the edtech sector both challenging and rewarding to work in.

Meet Theresa Okonofua: A Trailblazing UX Designer Bridging Science and Tech

Theresa Okonofua, our interviewee, brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and creative design to her work. With a background that spans microbiology, biotechnology, and the tech sector, she is now a UX designer focusing on both tech and edtech projects. Her experience includes user research, information architecture, and interactive design, all aimed at creating platforms that support effective and inclusive learning. Theresa’s journey from bioengineering to UI/UX design is both impressive and inspirational.

An Insightful Interview with Theresa Okonofua

Interviewer: Can you tell us about your background?

Theresa: Sure! My background is pretty diverse. I have degrees in microbiology and biotechnology, which may seem far from tech and design. However, these fields honed my problem-solving skills and understanding of complex systems. I’m currently working as a UI/UX designer in tech and edtech, collaborating on innovative projects. I’m also starting a master’s degree in Advanced Biomedical Engineering in January 2022, which I believe will bring a fresh perspective to my work.

Interviewer: What attracted you to UX design in the edtech industry, and how do your skills align with this field?

Theresa: The impact of thoughtful design in education excites me. Edtech design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about fostering a supportive learning environment. My background in user research and information architecture aligns well with this industry. It’s all about understanding how users interact with information and designing experiences that keep them engaged. Edtech combines empathy and design, making it very rewarding to work on projects that improve learning outcomes.

Interviewer: Can you share a specific edtech project you’ve worked on and the design challenges you faced?

Theresa: Absolutely! One project I enjoyed was redesigning an adaptive learning platform for primary and secondary students. We had to cater to four distinct user groups—teachers, students, administrators, and parents—with varying goals and tech proficiency. Extensive user research, including contextual inquiries and usability tests, guided us in streamlining the interface. Our changes made lesson planning simpler for teachers, improved content curation for students, and offered an intuitive dashboard for parents. Positive feedback and measurable improvements in student engagement made it especially rewarding.

Interviewer: How do you design for diverse users like teachers, students, and administrators with different tech proficiency?

Theresa: Empathy and a deep understanding of each group’s needs are key. I create interfaces that are intuitive and accessible, regardless of tech skills. Clear visual hierarchies and consistent patterns help users navigate with ease. Accessibility is also crucial; we focus on screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and optimized touch interactions. Collaboration with accessibility experts ensures we meet WCAG guidelines. The goal is to create designs that are both user-friendly and adaptable to diverse needs.

Interviewer: How important is user research in the edtech design process, and how do you conduct user studies?

Theresa: User research is fundamental, especially in edtech, where every detail impacts learning. I use a combination of methods—surveys, interviews, usability tests, and contextual inquiries—to gain insights. Observing users in real-life settings helps identify genuine challenges. These insights shape the design, from information architecture to layout and interactions. A single user observation can spark meaningful improvements in the overall experience.

Interviewer: Can you share an example of when your UX design impacted student learning outcomes or teacher productivity?

Theresa: One standout project was a mathematics platform redesign. Students struggled with abstract concepts, so we added interactive visualizations and step-by-step guides. We also introduced a feedback system for encouragement and guidance. Results included a 35% rise in homework completion, 25% increased time on exercises, and a 40% drop in teacher support tickets. Positive user feedback made it all worthwhile.

Interviewer: What advice would you give aspiring UX designers interested in edtech?

Theresa: Master the basics of learning science and pedagogy; it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about educational outcomes. Emphasize accessibility to ensure inclusivity. Practice designing for diverse user groups, strengthen research and data analysis skills, and collaborate with educators. Stay current with both design and edtech advancements, and always keep users’ learning goals at the forefront of your designs.