Designing for Informal Learning: The Case of a Mobile E-Reader

Main Article Content

Jason K. McDonald
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9324-4738

Abstract

This case describes the redesign of a mobile eReader application. The purpose of the redesign was to convert an existing eReader from a means of only reading books into a tool for informal learning. The case reports how the design team’s definition of informal learning evolved throughout the product development process, and how design decisions were influenced by this changing definition. Over the period of time covered in the case, the eReader evolved from a tool used for reading eBooks, into one meant for personal study, and then into a product that supported serendipitous discovery of inspiring material (built under a philosophy that informal learning meant that people were able to discover interesting and uplifting material without exerting effort to find it). The end point of the eReader’s evolution was as a subscription service for the company’s eBooks and digital audiobooks, to allow customers to continually use them for educational purposes. This case is structured around the four iterations of the eReader design process. Each iteration reports how design decisions were made and what kind of results were achieved.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Details

How to Cite
McDonald, J. K. (2019). Designing for Informal Learning: The Case of a Mobile E-Reader. International Journal of Designs for Learning, 10(1), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v10i1.23546
Section
Articles
Author Biography

Jason K. McDonald, Brigham Young University

Jason K. McDonald is an associate professor in the department of Instructional Psychology & Technology, at Brigham Young University. His research interests include creativity in the instructional design process, and reflexive practice among designers.

References

Baron, N. S. (2015). Words onscreen: The fate of reading in a digital world. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Bhaskar, M. (2013). The content machine: Towards a theory of publishing from the printing press to the digital network. New York, NY: Anthem Press.

Christensen, C. M., Hall, T., Dillon, K., & Duncan, D. S. (2016). Know your customers’ “jobs to be done”. Harvard Business Review, 94(9), 54-62.

Eyal, N., & Hoover, R. (2014). Hooked: How to build habit-forming products. New York, NY: Penguin Publishing Group.