UX + EdTech Startups and Founders
A few notes on curiosity and what this newsletter is all about
Photo by Kai Dahms
Just three years ago, my life looked drastically different. In January of 2020, I was teaching middle school science full-time (in person) while in my third month of pregnancy. I had just let my principal know that I would not be returning after this school year, and one of the reasons was around work/life balance with my baby on the way.
I was nervous and somewhat excited about what this next season of life would look like for me and my family. I was in the process of researching remote-type teaching roles or graphic design freelance right as the pandemic hit.
I am not going to unpack the whole story of how I landed into UX and the EdTech industry here. But what I am noticing is that a story really is constantly unfolding. It is likely that three years from now, again, my life will look significantly different from a variety of angles. Seasons change.
Something I have appreciated in life is when someone invites me into their story and shares the ups and downs of their journey. All sorts of things are working together and I find that I get encouraged and taught as well.
So I am experimenting here… but I will be sharing more of my story as it unfolds. What can you expect from this newsletter thingy?
At the very least, I will be sharing roundups and recaps of the resources shared from UX of EdTech. There is a lot. This includes a roundup of podcasts, articles, community events, jobs, and networking opportunities. People in our community are doing amazing things. The newsletter will keep it all in one place. I am hoping it is a helpful digest for you.
In addition, there will be some of my musings (uh-oh) and story. I am deeply curious about many things and am constantly processing observations and lessons learned. Percolating. I have always considered UX of EdTech my curiosity project and something like a college for me, so this is fitting. But what I am really hoping is that UX of EdTech can serve others well and bring more opportunities to many people. So I guess I am saying, join me on the journey? Because I’d love to learn with you.
Alicia Quan
Why UX is Important for EdTech Startups
I chat with featuring Jessica Millstone, a venture capitalist, angel investor, and co-founder and managing director of Copper Wire Ventures, an early-stage fund focused on investing in women-led technology companies, primarily in the education space.
Prior to the investing world, Jessica’s career spans deep and wide in EdTech and UX. Over the years, she has watched the two industries “grow up together.” She now brings her growing UX mindset to her current work with founders and startups in the future of learning and work.
We cover several topics, including:
Why UX work is important for EdTech and education startups (including success stories)
The biggest barriers to startups hiring UX support
How to win investors with a UX mindset
Advice for founders and UX practitioners working together
Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast player.
Founders Who UX
I chat with Nicole Gallardo, Founder and UX/UI Director of Founders Who UX.
Nicole’s experience in the startup and UX world spans nearly 20 years, which is why I had her on the podcast to talk about why UX work is important and valuable for EdTech and education companies.
We talk about the biggest barriers startups face in hiring UX support, the options they have, and what their next steps could be. This one is packed with gold nuggets.
Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast player.
EdTech UX Writing and Content Design: A Journey
I chat with a former educator and principal, and now UX Writer at BrainPOP, Sarah Mondestin.
This is some great storytelling.
Sarah talks about going from the classroom to an EdTech role and the transferrable skills and circumstances she leaned on.
She also discusses the tricky question of differences between UX Writing and Content Design.
We dig into her 3-Part blog series on UX Writing in EdTech and why this role is so crucial to the success of businesses.
Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast player.
Why, how, and when to invest in UX talent in your EdTech startup
This is a special written interview with Alex Britez (Senior Designer at Microsoft) by Adam Black at enablinginsights.
Alex tackles the following questions and more:
Why, how, and when to invest in UX talent in your EdTech startup?
How do you hire or upskill a UX team to know enough about Learning Science
How do you balance “engaging” with “effective” when you design EdTech?
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned in 20 years of designing successful EdTech?
Which three favorite resources would you point EdTech leaders to to upskill on UX?
This one is packed with insight. Give the article some love!
The Community and Job Openings
Our Community’s purpose is focused on helping UX practitioners who work on products and services that support learning. We also welcome educators, founders, and those in other disciplines looking to develop a UX mindset applied in the industry of education and future of learning and work.
We are thinking through the best ways to serve our members as our Slack Community is growing! You can expect a variety of learning experiences and networking opportunities. Reach out to Alicia Quan if you are interested in an application.
Check out our recent job roundup if you are looking for open roles.
Thanks for reading. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the topics above or anything else you have been processing. Is this helpful?