HydroAR

Product Designer — AR application that reimagines hydrology education through interactive 3D models and AR simulations, turning abstract concepts into tangible, memorable classroom experiences.

Role: Product Designer
Domain: AR · Education
Research: 35 students · usability & A/B testing
Focus: Hydrology · User-centric design

HydroAR splash screen on a smartphone resting on a wooden table beside a potted succulent plant

Impact

17.38% faster task completion
23% boost in knowledge retention
30% higher user satisfaction
Transformed static learning into dynamic experiences

Bar chart comparing task completion time: old version 6 minutes 14 seconds versus new version 5 minutes 9 seconds — 17.38% faster task completion (old vs. new version)

Bar chart showing average score percentage rising from 34.5% on the pre-test to 57.5% on the app quiz — 23% boost in knowledge retention (pre-test vs. app quiz)

Bar chart of user satisfaction survey scores: old version 5.3 versus new version 8.3 out of 10 — 30% higher user satisfaction (old vs. new version)

Achievements

35 students participated in total across user interviews, usability testing, and user testing (including A/B testing).
Implemented voice features to boost engagement.
Introduced A/B testing and rapid iteration cycles.

User Testing

At Podar International School, 35 students participated in observation sessions, usability testing, and A/B tests — validating design decisions with real-time feedback in the classroom.

Student in school uniform using HydroAR on a smartphone during a classroom testing session — Usability — classroom observation

Student seated at a whiteboard, focused on the HydroAR app during an in-depth testing session — In-depth sessions with students

Student holding a phone vertically while exploring the HydroAR water cycle module — Exploring AR modules independently

Student engaged with HydroAR during structured A/B testing at Podar International School — A/B testing — iteration cycles

About

HydroAR's library of interactive modules, featuring lifelike 3D models and AR simulations, stood as a testament to the successful integration of technology into education. These modules provided students with an unprecedented level of engagement, turning abstract concepts into tangible, memorable experiences.

The app's user-centric design ensured a seamless experience for both students and educators. From onboarding to collaborative features, the intuitive user flow facilitated exploration, interaction, and performance tracking, contributing to the overall success of the project.

Overview

HydroAR leverages AR to reimagine hydrology education. Testing at Podar International School revealed an opportunity to better support struggling students.
Incorporating real-time feedback into structured tests drove measurable improvements in efficiency and comprehension. Cross-disciplinary collaboration was key to overcoming technical challenges.
Through a user-centric approach and continuous iteration, HydroAR evolved into an interactive platform that makes learning tangible. Students explore AR models, gaining insights into complex systems.

Two phone mockups: Lily's narrative intro on a lakeside pier, and an AR precipitation lesson with 3D terrain and raining clouds in a bedroom — Story-driven onboarding flows into AR precipitation — narrative meets interactive 3D

Design Principles

Throughout the app design process, we adhered to key principles:

Prioritizing the user experience
Ensuring visual and functional consistency
Facilitating seamless navigation and item retrieval
Optimizing readability
Enhancing touchscreen usability

Conclusion

This experience reinforced the immense value of soliciting user insights early and often. By allowing learners to guide design decisions, HydroAR transformed static content into engaging AR. While the tangible results are encouraging, the true impact is sparking future innovations at the intersection of technology and education. The journey continues as we uncover new ways to inspire.

HydroAR completion screen with congratulations message, 3D character, confetti, and options to explore again or quit — Completing the water cycle adventure — learners celebrate measurable understanding

Interested in exploring the complete Figma design file and going through the project details? Schedule a call.