Douglas Jordy
AFG App
2025
What if we could transform how children are seen and supported in their learning journeys — starting with how we listen to them
The Challenge
Assessment for Good (AFG) is part of AERDF, a nonprofit focused on advancing education for PreK-12 students. AFG’s challenge was to develop equitable, research-backed assessments specifically for Black and Latinx students in the U.S. education system. Traditional surveys were often insufficient or disengaging, so the goal was to transform these assessments into interactive, game-based experiences that meaningfully measure social-emotional skills, strengths, and learning outcomes. The challenge also included ensuring these assessments honored each learner’s unique growth process while providing educators with actionable insights.
Process
The design process began with close collaboration among cross-functional teams—including product strategy, engineering, and client stakeholders—to define the vision and user needs. We focused on crafting engaging yet accessible learner experiences while designing educator tools that offered clear, actionable insights without overwhelming users. A key technical consideration was integrating Single Sign-On (SSO) via Clever to provide seamless access for students and schools.
After validating user flows and confirming technical feasibility, we moved into high-fidelity design using the Goodness design system, which allowed us to efficiently iterate on multiple features and streamline developer handoff. Throughout the project, I maintained close daily communication with engineering teams and the client’s technical leads, facilitating real-time alignment and continuous feedback through regular demos and design meetings.
This collaborative, learner-centered approach ensured that both user experience and technical requirements were balanced, resulting in a scalable and inclusive platform that met educational goals and business objectives.
Solution
The final solution was the AFG App, a centralized digital platform hosting interactive, game-based assessments designed to respect each student’s pace, voice, and context. The app featured seamless Clever SSO integration for easy district and learner access. The design leveraged high-fidelity visuals aligned with the Goodness design system, ensuring consistency and scalability. The product balanced engaging learner experiences with simple, actionable tools for educators. Accessibility improvements, such as a “Read” button, were incorporated to foster inclusion, confidence, and connection.
Outcome
The platform now supports over 20,000 learners across U.S. schools.
There was a 30% increase in daily active users following the redesign launch.
Support tickets notably decreased, reflecting improved usability.
Educators provided strong positive feedback, especially regarding accessibility features like the “Read” button.
Learners reported feeling seen, heard, and valued, sharing great feedback on the engaging and meaningful nature of the assessments.
The project successfully created an asset-based formative assessment tool that honors learners’ unique development while empowering educators with actionable insights.