A UX case study on designing an AI learning companion that encourages deeper thinking instead of shortcuts

The Challenge

⚠️ Students are increasingly turning to AI for quick academic solutions, but this convenience comes at a cost. Professors report declining critical thinking skills and surface-level learning as students become dependent on AI-generated answers rather than developing deep understanding.

<aside>

How might we design an AI tool that enhances learning rather than replacing the thinking process?

</aside>

My Role & Timeline

Role: UX Design Team Lead

Team members: 4 students

Timeline: 6 weeks

Tools: Figma, Figjam, Adobe Photoshop, Trello, Google Workspace

Understanding the Problem

Research Approach

We conducted mixed-methods research to understand both sides of this educational challenge:

1. Literature Review: Analyzed existing AI education tools (Khanmigo, Duolingo's AI tutors) and identified key issues including confirmation bias and automation bias.
2. Student Survey (60+ participants): Explored current AI usage patterns in learning and pain points
3. Professor Interviews: Understanding educator perspectives on AI's impact on learning

Key Insights