CoGrader
Discovering what transforms a free user to a paying user.
Timeline
5 months
Project Type
Internship
Role
UX Researcher
Tools
Figma, PostHog
Skills
User Research, Journey Mapping, Storytelling, Data Analysis, Outreach
Summary
As the sole UX Researcher for CoGrader, I discovered what made their subscription worth buying and pain points for their target users: educators.
CoGrader is an ed-tech startup dedicated to simplifying teacher's workflows. I had the opportunity to engage with over 10 users, uncovering the reasons behind their continued loyalty and identifying what makes CoGrader valuable—or not—for them.
Due to NDA restrictions, I am unable to share some of the progress or results of this project, so please contact me: monicacortes@berkeley.edu. if you want to find out more!
Learnings
My first professional UX work experience
This internship provided me with valuable first-hand experience in user research on a developed project outside of the classroom.
It was not only my first internship but also my first opportunity to collaborate with professionals responsible for other aspects of the company, providing a deeper understanding of cross-functional teamwork.
Being confident in my work
Working in a startup environment required me to adapt quickly, take initiative, and trust my abilities (even if I felt that I wasn't ready). The dynamic nature of the role helped me grow more confident in my work as I tackled a range of responsibilities, ie. research, outreach, interviews.
Knowing how to adapt to new situations
During mock interviews for classroom assignments or school projects, I always felt at ease since the interviewees were often acquaintances or friends. However, during this internship, I conducted one-on-one interviews independently, which presented a new challenge. Determined to uncover meaningful insights, I occasionally deviated from the interview script, allowing the conversations to flow naturally and adapt to the interviewee’s responses.
Final Mentions
Special thanks to the CoGrader team!
A big thank you to the CoGrader team for trusting me with this project and for creating a welcoming environment. I’m especially grateful to Mari (Founding Product Designer) and Gabe (Founder) for their interest in my growth and for their invaluable guidance and input throughout my project.
Interested to know more about this project? Email me at monicacortes@berkeley,edu
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See case study