Scuba Schools International
Usability Evaluation of the SSI digital learning platform
Setting the Scene
The SSI Digital learning is an online learning portal that offers SSI diving training courses. The purpose of this evaluative study was to understand the issues first time users of the web application run into while exploring the digital learning.
The aim was to examine the existing web application and understand how users interact with the interface and perform a usability assessment of the current use of the SSI’s digital learning application in order to identify usability issues.
I observed users interacting with the platform in real-time to understand both application behaviour and interface challenges. Through moderated usability testing with the think-aloud protocol, I gathered rich qualitative insights as participants worked through core tasks, identifying friction points and opportunities for improvement
The report provided findings of the testing and recommendations for usability implementation, and severity of identified issues.
Methods applied
Heuristic Evaluation, Usability Testing, Wireframing
Deliverables
Usability report, Design recommendations, High Fidelity Wireframes
Reflection
When the regional manager approached me about their platform due to rising user complaints, I was eager to dig into what was actually causing the friction for divers using the system.
The most revealing part of this project was seeing just how essential it is to observe users directly. People often can't articulate what's wrong—they worry about saying the wrong thing or criticising something they think they should understand. But watching them interact with the platform told the real story. Their hesitations, workarounds, and moments of confusion revealed the problems far more clearly than any survey could.
This project reinforced that good research isn't just about asking questions—it's about creating a safe space to observe genuine behaviour. I'm proud that these findings could help SSI address real user needs and improve the learning experience for divers worldwide.