Homeschool System
Co-Create a Better Homeschool System with Parents and Kids
Elevating Homeschooling:
Co-Creating an Enhanced Learning Environment
Project Overview
As homeschooling gains popularity as an alternative to traditional schooling, many families struggle due to the lack of guidance and loose structure in the US homeschooling system. As a service designer, my objective is to foster collaboration with homeschooling families, working together to develop a more impactful and rewarding homeschooling experience. Additionally, I aim to establish a mechanism for gathering comprehensive homeschooling data to support future research and enhance our understanding of this educational approach.
BACKGROUND
The homeschooling trend has been on the rise in recent years due to: growing concerns with the traditional school system, such as issues with overcrowding, underfunding, and lack of individual attention for students. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, as remote learning has become more common and parents have had to take a more active role in their children's education.
The homeschooling system in the United States provides families with a significant degree of flexibility and autonomy in designing their children's education. The rules and regulations vary significantly from state to state.
RESEARCH PROCESS
In the initial stage of the research activities, I explored academic literature and investigated the correlation between service design, service dominant logic, and homeschooling.
Since homeschooling parents often have busy schedules, coordinating phone calls for interviews can be challenging.
Interviews
Based on this established model, I have developed a Gap model of homeschool service to examine the service relationship between homeschooling parents and homeschooled children. By analyzing the gaps and factors that impact children's learning outcomes, this model seeks to improve the quality of service offered by homeschooling parents to their children.
GAP Model of Service Quality
The Grönroos-Voima Value Model
The Grönroos-Voima value model highlights the importance of word-of-mouth in influencing the customer's value creation process. In particular, the model emphasizes the role of social value co-creation with peers in shaping customers' perceptions of value. Similarly, homeschooling is a co-creation value process where parents and children work together to create a meaningful learning experience.
This analysis enabled me to identify a pattern, which I used to complete the RCA. Based on this analysis, I developed two "How Might We" statements, which served as potential solutions to prevent the problem from recurring in the future. Once I had defined the problem, I employed RCA (root cause analysis) to identify its underlying causes, rather than just addressing its symptoms. To do so, I analyzed the data collected from various sources, including interviews, conversations, and desk research.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
INSIGHTS (DATA SYNTHESIZE)
After collecting and analyzing raw data from various research methodologies, I synthesized the findings and identified correlations and patterns. Based on this analysis, I have arrived at the following 4 insights.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
FINAL DELIVERABLE
At theUnit, we believe that every small step we take can lead to big changes. Each book we provide is a step towards creating a comprehensive and fulfilling homeschooling experience for your family.
Our logo reflects this belief with its two Us representing not only the saying "many a little makes mickle", but also the power of unity and collaboration within our homeschool community. Together, we can create a better education system for our children and build a supportive network of families who share our values.
Service Blueprint
The website provides a user-friendly platform for homeschooling parents to sign up and participate in on-ground check-in events. These events offer materials designed by qualified teachers that can be completed by parents and children together, promoting a collaborative and engaging learning experience.
Website
On-ground Service
On the check-in day, the mobile unit will travel to different neighborhoods based on the number of parents who have signed up and confirmed their attendance on the website. Once they arrive at the designated location, parents and kids can check in with the staff by confirming their email and receive their materials designed by qualified teachers that can be completed together.
The materials provided are tailored to each child's learning level and interests, and parents and kids can ask the teacher for help and guidance as they work on the materials.
The mobile unit is equipped with seating areas, providing a comfortable and convenient space for families to work on their materials. One to two teachers are available inside the unit to assist and answer any questions parents and kids may have. This creates a supportive and collaborative environment that helps homeschooling families feel more confident and supported in their educational journey.
In order to better understand the needs and pain points of homeschooling parents and kids, I conducted a thorough research process, which involved both quantitative and qualitative methods. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, I was able to gain valuable insights into the challenges that homeschooling families face on a daily basis, as well as their desires for an ideal educational experience.
Using this data, I carefully analyzed the findings and identified key pain points and needs that were consistently expressed by the participants. By synthesizing this information, I was able to define the benefits that theUnit offers, which uniquely addresses these challenges and provides a one-of-a-kind educational experience for homeschooling families.
VALUE PROPOSITION
SERVICE ECOSYSTEM
This service is designed to support both parents and homeschooled children throughout their educational journey. The journey begins with the website, which serves as the first point of contact for parents. From there, families can access a educational resources and materials.
For on-ground services, we provide a team of drivers, teachers, tutors, and volunteers who work directly with homeschooling families. These professionals are the main point of contact for parents and children.
This front-stage service is just one part of our comprehensive ecosystem. Behind the scenes, we have a team of policy makers, technologists, and support staff working tirelessly to ensure our service runs smoothly and efficiently.
On the next page, we'll take a closer look at the entire ecosystem of our service, so you can see how every piece of the puzzle fits together.
