Distance-learning systems in public health

The scenario and the challenge

Distance learning platforms aimed at public health were receiving thousands of students at the same time. However, the path to enroll and follow the classes was so complex that many people simply gave up.

Our bet

We were certain that by clearing up confusing information and reorganizing the step-by-step process, people would feel more confident to complete their study routines.

How we found the path

• We scoured the data to find exactly on which screen people were giving up.
• We simulated the student's path to feel the frustrations firsthand.
• We talked to students of various ages to understand their technological barriers.

The built solution

• We translated difficult institutional terms into a language that ordinary people understood.
• We cleaned up the screens, highlighting only the main task of each moment.
• We added clear progress bars so the student always knows "where I am and how much is left".

The tough choices

• We postponed a complete visual overhaul to focus exclusively on the critical enrollment journey (where the pain was greatest).
• We had to say "no" to several cool features the board wanted, for the sake of extreme simplicity.

The real impact

• The rates of people completing enrollment increased notably.
• The time stuck on the doubt screen dropped considerably.

What I learned

The most beautiful design in the world fails if the text is confusing. Aligning content and language with user expectations is half the battle won.