My research
As a designer and UX researcher, I want to improve users' experience. So, in 2017, I decided to use my knowledge of graphic design and UX and my teaching experience to conduct a doctoral research that studies the integration of teaching practices with digital resources to promote all students' learning.
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I present here a summary of some projects in which I had the chance to contribute. Some of my projects are confidential, others are still in progress and therefore do not appear in this list. To find out more, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to discuss it with you further.
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Research
in education
At the University of Montreal, I participated in qualitative research projects on the professional development of teachers, reading circles in the classroom and the integration of virtual reality in high school.
I carried out experiments with educational scenarios integrating virtual reality in high school in different disciplinary fields. I also carried out the video documentation, the transcription and the counter-coding of video clubs.
I developed quantitative research reports (with SPSS) for the Center for Initial Teacher Training (CFIM).
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At Concordia University, I participated in a research project focusing on empathy education through virtual reality. I also participated in projects on Maker spaces.
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As part of my doctoral research in educational psychology, I am interested in the nature of teaching practices and classroom uses that make it possible to use a digital resource to maximize the effects on the learning of all students. I'm also interested in and the contribution of video clubs to the development of pedagogical practices.
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Do not hesitate to contact me to learn more about my research approach and its contribution in the field of education and the development of digital resources.


Website redesign
Objective Québec
Problem: A new team, a new vision and new tools to give the association the means to relaunch!
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Steps:
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Make an expert assessment of the site
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Make an ergonomic assessment of the site
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Search and interview target users
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Create the graphic charter
Result: Creation of a new website adapted to the needs of association officials, active members and other target users.
Project realized by Florence Lacassagne and Yara El Ayoubi in collaboration with Stéphanie Tran Et Michaël Décorne
The blog
from the New York Times
Problem: The use of the blog by "regulars" in blogs, newspapers and in various subjects treated in the multiple blogs of the New York Times is rather limited. They can read articles and comment on them, but that's it.
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Solution: What we have decided to do is add a specialized member account for an advanced user: The Freelance Writer.
Approach: To carry out this project, we carried out in-depth research to create personas in order to better target the needs of our users.
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This project is carried out by Yara El Ayoubi and Claudia Bilodeau as part of the master's degree in multimedia design.


BLOOP: virtual co-op of self-employed workers
Problem: Self-employment is frequent in the field of information and communication technologies. Over time, they may experience loneliness and feel the need to be heard by joining their voices with those of others with whom they share common interests and goals. Individual and collective contribution is one way to meet this need. It allows these workers to feel involved and valued, and to be recognized by their peers.
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Steps :
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Develop and complete a diary
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Carry out a documentary research on the Saint-Roch district
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Develop questionnaires in order to get to know the neighbourhood's population better
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Administration of an online survey to obtain the perception and emotions felt during activities in the neighbourhood
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Semi-structured interviews with the intended users.
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Evaluation:
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Iteration.
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Result:
Set up a virtual cooperative of self-employed workers to contribute to the individual and collective success of the St-Roch district.
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Project carried out by: Yara El Ayoubi, Cindy Greaves, Marilyne Périard and Tomy Royer as part of the master's degree in multimedia design.
CAPSULE:
Self-service web
Issue: the modernization of Capsule consists of reviewing the information architecture of Capsule
by offering interfaces focused on the tasks and needs of students in order to simplify the online management of their studies. More specifically, this overall improves communication and the quality of services. The new system is based on modern technology that will adapt to the evolution of different programs, always with the aim of benefiting users.
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Steps:
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Context analysis: interviews, user testing and expert evaluations
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Audience analysis: define three personas with social and cognitive backgrounds as well as a different level of literacy.
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Analysis of the commissioning organization based on documentary research in the archives
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Content inventory
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Result: Design of a new, more efficient information architecture.
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Project carried out by: Yara El Ayoubi, Anne-Marie Champoux and Mylène Laroche as part of the master's degree in multimedia design.


Duchambon mission
Mandate: As part of the 255th anniversary of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, our mandate is to create an interactive treasure hunt for the Musée de la Civilization de Québec. The goal of such a game is to bring a part of the history of Quebec City to life for anyone willing to risk playing.
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Research:
Thematic research: history of the battle, spatio-temporal context, places
Technological research
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Result: An augmented reality game including the use of an iPad (or other tablets and smartphones) and Google Glass.
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Project carried out by: Yara El Ayoubi, Véronique Champagne-Vézina Marianne Forget as part of the master's degree in multimedia design.