Designing for the Front of the Room

Designing for the Front of the Room

What worked on paper didn't always work at classroom scale.


The challenge was improving visibility and interaction on large displays while preserving the instructional intent teachers depended on.

NDA protected

Branding and proprietary content have been modified or omitted for portfolio use.

01

01

the challenge

A classroom view has a different job to do.

CHALLENGE

DETAILS

IMPACT

Screen size limitations

Large displays still have finite space. Key content needed to be visible without overwhelming the screen.

DETAILS

Large displays still have finite space. Key content needed to be visible without overwhelming the screen.

Important information was lost of competing elements distracted teachers.

IMPACT

Important information was lost of competing elements distracted teachers.

Dense layouts

Print pages were information heavy with long passages, multiple callouts, and complex visuals.

DETAILS

High cognitive load and difficult scanning while teaching.

IMPACT

Legacy platform limits

We had to work within existing architecture, components, and publishing rules.

DETAILS

IMPACT

Limited flexibility in layout, interactions, and new patterns.

Teacher expectations

The experience has to feel familiar and maintain the instructional flow teachers already knew.

DETAILS

Any disruption risked adoption and teacher confidence.

IMPACT

02

Process

Creating structure within constraints.

01
01

Audit & Map

Audit & Map

Audited layouts to identify screen-specific usability failures

Audited layouts to identify screen-specific usability failures

02
02

Structure

Structure

Defined hierarchy rules, what must be visible, and what can be revealed progressively.

Defined hierarchy rules, what must be visible, and what can be revealed progressively.

03
03

Design

Design

Built templates within legacy component constraints specifically for large displays.

Built templates within legacy component constraints specifically for large displays.

04
04

Validate

Validate

Usability sessions with teachers in live classroom settings

Usability sessions with teachers in live classroom settings

05
05

Scale

Scale

Phased rollout with feedback loops to refine edge cases and subject areas.

Phased rollout with feedback loops to refine edge cases and subject areas.

03

the Solution

Designed for the screen, without losing what matters.

01

Prioritized Hierarchy

Emphasized the most important content and sized it for readability at a distance.

02

Progressive Disclosure

Information is revealed progressively to reduce cognitive load and clutter.

03

Consistent Patterns

Reusable layouts and components reduced learning friction and improved teaching flow.

04

Instructional fidelity

By preserving the pedagogy, sequence, and teacher control, the learning experience remained trusted and effective.

04

Screens in Context

Prioritized Hierarchy

Clear visual hierarchy keeps focus on instruction first.

Progressive Disclosure

Additional supports appear only when needed.

Consistent Patterns

Shared layouts reduce learning friction across lessons.

Instructional Fidelity

Classroom workflows remained aligned with existing teaching practices.

05

Impact

Impact

What shipped, and what it

What shipped, and what it measured

measured

Metrics are representative and rounded to protect confidential information.

95%

When surveyed, teachers noted a significant increase in lesson clarity and efficiency.

Easier to Scan at a Classroom Scale

Clear visual hierarchy and simplified layouts help teachers identify key content quickly during instruction.

Reduced Navigation Friction

Reusable layouts and predictable patterns reduced the time spend navigating and finding content.

The redesign preserved familiar instructional workflows while improving readability and classroom usability across screen types.

06

Reflection

What I learned, and what

What I learned, and what I’d do next

I’d do next

This project deepened my understanding of how product design decisions directly shape usability, readability, and interaction flow in real environments. It reinforced how usable, well-structured technology can improve classroom visibility, support smoother instruction, and create a better experience for both teachers and students.

Stronger Focus on Hierarchy

Clear hierarchy is essential when content is viewed from a distance. I’ll continue testing scale, spacing, and contrast to reduce cognitive load.

Prioritize Usability in Context

Designing for large screen instruction highlighted how hierarchy, spacing, and interaction patterns directly influence usability in classroom environments.

Consistency drives confidence

Shared layouts and predictable workflows created a more seamless instructional experience while helping teachers stay focused on teaching rather than navigating the interface.

© Brianne Beatty 2026

© Brianne Beatty 2026