Utilising a third-party maths engine to integrate unlimited maths practice questions into Cambridge Online Maths
Role
UX Designer, User Researcher
Product
Cambridge Online Maths
Team
Product Manager, Delivery Manager, Commissioning Editor, Technical Product Analyst
Context
Practice underpins maths learning, but traditional textbooks limit question variety and delay feedback. In this work, we explore AlgebraKit’s question generation functionality to create an effective and scalable practice experience that delivers immediate feedback.
Approach
I led the UX work by ideating how Algebrakit’s practice feature could be integrated into our existing platform. This involved defining the scope and intended outcomes for the discovery phase, as well as planning and conducting user research and testing. I worked closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between user needs and technical feasibility. We created and built prototypes to explore and validate the solution and gather insights gathered from user testing to inform recommendations and a clear direction for future development.
The work
1
EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ALGEBRAKIT IN PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS WITH VARYING LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY TO FACILITATE THEIR INDEPENDENT TOPIC PRACTICE
2
ASSESS THE USEFULNESS OF ALGEBRAKIT’S FEEDBACK SYSTEM IN ADDRESSING STUDENTS MISCONCEPTIONS (PARTICULARLY IN THE ABSENCE OF THEIR TEACHERS)
3
ASSESS THE USABILITY AND PERCEIVED VALUE OF FOCUSED PRACTICE IN PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH ADDITIONAL PRACTICE AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF ADOPTION
Unlimited questions
‘Focused practice’ is a functionality that empowers learners to practice an endless stream of math problems on a single topic. By algorithmically generating each question from a detailed rubric, the system ensures variety—no two questions ever repeated—so students can drill specific maths skills without running out of practice content. The system also generates feedback for users if they get a step wrong, or if they request a hint which can help students troubleshoot misconceptions independently.
Quick wireframes
Our primary task was integrating this practice mode into the existing platform structure. I mocked up rough wireframes to illustrate how the new feature slotted into our interface, then this built into into a live prototype for user testing.
Solution testing
To validate our design, we engaged teachers in feedback sessions using the prototype. We asked them to critique the wireframes, discuss their approaches to math practice, and weigh in on the clarity and value of the automated feedback. We also explored how they would have deployed the tool in their classrooms, what impact they anticipated, and any barriers they might have faced.
Outcome
Teachers had mostly positive feedback practice tool—especially how it instantly serves up endless, topic-specific questions so they’re never scrambling for exercises. Most agreed the automated feedback was clear and helpful for students, though a few did mention that some of the comments came off a bit vague and could use tweaking.
Next steps: We're planning to invite classes to try the tool in real learning sessions so we can see exactly how they use it and where they stumble. After that, we’ll ask them to keep a quick diary over a few weeks to share what’s working, what’s frustrating, and how the tool fits into their routines. This approach will give us the insights we need to fine-tune the experience and understand its true impact on learning.