Dashboard Overload: Understanding Teacher Data Needs
What data do K-12 teachers actually need in their dashboards vs. what they're given?
The Research: An independent study exploring the gap between the data K-12 teachers receive in digital learning dashboards and the data they actually need to make instructional decisions.
My Role: Independent UX Researcher—self-initiated study to uncover unmet needs in EdTech dashboard design and inform better data visualization for educators.
Timeline: December 2024 - January 2025
Status: Currently recruiting participants and conducting research. Full case study coming soon.
Research Type: Exploratory Research
Planned Methods: Teacher interviews, dashboard analysis, card sorting, comparative evaluation
Target Participants: 8-10 K-12 teachers across grade levels
Focus Platforms: iReady, Amira Learning, SuccessMaker, Lexia, and other widely-used EdTech tools
Research Study in Progress
The Research Question
What data do K-12 teachers actually need in their dashboards versus what they’re currently given?
Many EdTech platforms provide teachers with extensive student data dashboards, but it's unclear whether this data aligns with teachers' real-world decision-making needs. This study aims to uncover:
Which dashboard data teachers use regularly vs. ignore
What critical information is missing from current dashboards
How dashboard design can better support teacher workflows
Whether data needs differ across grade levels and subjects
Why This Research Matter
For EdTech Companies: Dashboard design directly impacts teacher adoption and platform effectiveness. Understanding what data teachers truly need—and how they need it presented—can inform more user-centered product decisions.
For Teachers: Better dashboard design means less time searching for information and more time supporting students. This research aims to ensure EdTech tools serve educators, not overwhelm them.
For My Portfolio: This study builds on my experience researching complex dashboards in enterprise environments (Commodity Management, LOTO) and applies that expertise to educational contexts—demonstrating my ability to identify and investigate critical UX research questions independently.
Planned Research Approach
Phase 1: Understanding Current State
Teacher Interviews: Deep dive into current dashboard usage, pain points, and workarounds
Dashboard Walkthroughs: Observing how teachers interact with existing platforms
Contextual Inquiry: Understanding when and why teachers access dashboard data
Phase 2: Identifying Priorities
Card Sorting: Determining which data types teachers prioritize (daily, weekly, monthly, never)
Comparative Analysis: Evaluating how different platforms present similar data
Journey Mapping: Tracking teacher workflows from data access to instructional decisions
Phase 3: Synthesis & Implications
Pattern Analysis: Identifying common needs and pain points across participants
Design Implications: Translating findings into actionable recommendations for EdTech dashboard design
Framework Development: Creating principles for teacher-centered data visualization issues
Expected Deliverables
Upon completion, this case study will include:
Key Research Insights: What teachers need (and don't need) from dashboards
Design Recommendations: Actionable principles for EdTech dashboard design
Comparative Analysis: How current platforms succeed or fall short
Teacher Personas: Validated understanding of different dashboard user needs
Dashboard Design Framework: Guidelines for information architecture and data prioritization
Current Status
Recruitment Phase: Reaching out to K-12 teachers across grade levels who regularly use digital learning platforms
Planned Timeline:
December 2024: Participant recruitment and interview scheduling
January 2025: Data collection and analysis
January 2025: Case study completion and portfolio publication
Full case study will be published in January 2025. Check back soon for findings and design implications.
Research Focus: Understanding teacher needs in EdTech dashboards
Methods: Mixed qualitative methods
Impact: Informing better dashboard design for K-12 educators