Grades Don't Matter: Revolutionizing Education Through Design

Lollypop Design Studio's Innovative Approach to Skill-Based Learning

The Grades Don't Matter app was inspired by the vast number of career alternatives in India that do not require a degree but are high in demand and offer better pay compared to traditional degrees. The app's mission is to inspire creativity, instill a sense that every skill matters, and change parents' perception of new career options by providing a cost-benefit analysis.

What sets Grades Don't Matter apart is its unique three-phased approach to learning, designed with the short attention span of today's youth in mind. Fast-paced lessons are delivered through 3-5 minute videos, and a module can be completed within 45 minutes. This approach makes learning more engaging and manageable for the modern learner.

The app was brought to life through the combined efforts of a creative team and strategic module crafting, with the help of an ADHD specialist. Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, Invision, and filmmaking software were used in the design process, while voice artists and Adobe Premiere Pro were utilized for video production.

The user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) for the website and the Android/iOS app were designed by Anil Reddy, the Design Director, and Rakesh Reddy, the Cinematographer. The app's card-based layout and list format make it visually attractive and easy to navigate. The swipe gesture allows users to scroll through a multitude of learning options, keeping the interface engaging.

The project, which began in April 2017 and ended in December 2017 in India, involved extensive research with the target audience and influencers. This research helped the team gauge the field of interest, online learning patterns, and pain points with existing platforms. The main challenge was crafting a course that would fit the short attention span of the youth and creating an engaging platform that could break through the existing clutter in the education domain.

Grades Don't Matter is more than just an app; it's a movement towards a skill-centric society. It has been recognized for its innovation and impact, winning the Golden A' Mobile Technologies, Applications and Software Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is granted to creations that reflect extraordinary excellence and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics. The app is not a master class; it's a guiding force that helps youth make the right career decisions, proving that indeed, grades don't matter.