Redesign of the ‘Investigations’ Math Program

My Role
Design Manager
Creative Director

Introduction

As Design Manager, I led the innovative redesign of the ‘Investigations’ program, a program I originally helped design for the previous generation. This initiative involved a comprehensive overhaul of both print and digital components, with a focus on enhancing the learning experience for teachers and students.

Problem Statement

The redesign aimed to imbue ‘Investigations’ with a sophisticated yet functional design, suitable for advanced math classrooms and ensuring professional and academic appeal.

The Team and Our Approach

Alongside my Designer, a collaborative partner, we tackled these challenges by:

Collaborative Leadership

Led the project, working with digital producers, editors, authors, and instructional designers. Provided strategic guidance to designers and vendors, ensuring seamless execution and high-quality results.

Art and Media Strategy

Developed a unified art and media strategy to align with the program’s design goals.

Sophisticated Simplicity & Functional Visuals

Implemented a professional, clean design. Utilized photography and visuals for clear mathematical concept communication.

Realistic Classroom Environments

Photo assets designed to reflect believable classroom settings.

Gaming UI Inspiration

Integrated unique shapes and design elements inspired by gaming UI for an engaging visual learning experience.

Balanced Innovation

Combined new elements with successful features from the original program.

Design Goals

Innovative Design Strategies

  • Sophisticated Aesthetic: Focused on a distinct yet appropriate design for elementary math education.
  • Innovative Layouts and Elements: Explored innovative layouts and design elements to enhance engagement.

Outcomes and Impact

Throughout the project, I ensured that each phase aligned with our strategic objectives and upheld the highest quality standards.

Digital Platform Development

Enhanced digital experience by developing a platform that complements print components, offering comprehensive instructional resources for a more integrated approach.

Brand Consistency

Collaborated on marketing and branding to ensure consistent branding across all materials, maintaining a unified and professional image.

Intuitive Design Focus

Emphasized user-centric design, prioritizing intuitive and engaging user experiences in all design projects.

Cover Art Direction

Directed award-winning covers using mathematical patterns with a skilled designer, enhancing the program’s visual appeal and success.

Conclusion

This project exemplifies my growth from Senior Designer to Design Manager and underscores my capability to lead teams in creating innovative, visually appealing, and educationally effective tools. This award-winning product highlights my commitment to excellence in educational design.