Overview:
When GenAI hit the mainstream, every online learning company rushed to the market with an AI tool. While Varsity Tutors had an AI tutor, it was a little-used feature. We saw an opportunity to use our AI tutor as a standalone flagship product for our parent company, Nerdy, but it needed to stand out and become something users wanted to engage with.

My Role: Creative Direction, Content Strategy, Workshop Facilitator

What I did:

• We held an in-depth workshop that included our internal design team and Durham Studios with the goal of uncovering how users could connect to and engage with the AI tutor.

• I conducted a brand archetype discovery exercise (landing on Sage Magician if you’re curious) and built out key messaging frameworks.

• I worked with the team at Durham Studios to flesh out our messaging approach and develop the AI tutor’s personality.

• We dove into everything, from micro-interactions to naming conventions, as we built out the user experience.

How it went:

• We received 100% buy-in from the executive stakeholders.

• Initial testing with middle- and high-school students was incredibly positive.

• Unfortunately, the AI tutor, as shown here, never made it to full production due to a change in priorities.