Defining the Variables
The Client
Math-U-See, a K–12 math curriculum by Demme Learning, used by families and schools worldwide.
The Brief
Design a complete Algebra 1 curriculum while establishing a more collaborative process between the Content and Design departments.
My Role
I was Senior Designer for a team of 4 in-house designers and 8 contractors.
I supervised work at every stage, facilitated cross-departmental collaboration, and (alongside the Design Manager), made final calls on design direction.
Discovery
Before touching a layout, I initiated a structured research phase: competitor analysis, customer surveys, and subject matter expert interviews. The goal was to identify the highest-impact design focus areas — not to guess.
Ideation and Prototyping
Using the research findings, I facilitated the development of multiple visual concepts and ran collaborative review sessions with the Content team. Approved designs moved into a structured Pilot Testing program.
Testing and Iteration
The pilot ran 6 sessions. Instructors and students submitted structured feedback at designated checkpoints. Every design iteration was driven by that feedback — no assumptions, no gut calls without data to back them.
Outcome
Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics launched Summer 2022.
2 Student Workbooks (230 pages each)
2 Instructor Handbooks (250 pages each)
1 Test Book (165 pages)
Companion digital resources for download
