CAse study
Behind-The-Scenes & StyleFrames
Research Summary
Conflicting AI Opinions and Concerns
After conducting empathy interviews with both Educators and Students, AI in the classroom can be defined as convenient and efficient, yet a leading source of friction between academic speed and authentic learning.
The key insight identified is that students use AI as a shortcut to learning, but this efficiency-seeking behavior unintentionally erodes the human connection and trust essential for mentorship.
Empathy Interviews
How Do People Feel About AI?
"You can't use AI and academic honesty in the same sentence because AI is inherently dishonest.” English College Professor, Female (67)
“I think the timeline in how students are expected to learn and digest a concept has drastically shifted since AI was introduced.” Art University Student, Female (23)
“l've experienced a case, where a Professor accused me of using Al [for a few sentences], when I didn't.” Economics University Student, Female (20)
“I just copy the answers straight off of ChatGPT...because some topics or hard or I just got lazy.” High School Student, Male (16)
Empathy Interviews
What did we discover?
Students use AI as a “shortcut” over a learning tool to save time and reduce effort, with the growing awareness that AI can widen learning gaps by hindering growth and threatening fundamental skills.
Human connection drives learning; students often crave traditional learning, one-on-one time, and group work (peer-to-peer).
The faculty's attitudes toward AI cluster into two extremes: Rejection (AI is a battle) vs. Experimentation (AI can be used for good or innovation).
The introduction of AI as a tool has heightened sensitivity around academic integrity, adding tension to the education landscape. Especially with unclear and inconsistent AI policies that create fear and confusion.
Personas
Where Do They Lie on The AI Usage Scale?
Based on the conducted research and interviews, 4 personas and a thematic map were developed to tackle specific pain points from real users and understand how they’re all interconnected.
Our Idea
How does “Think Gemini” work?
A consolidated AI workspace giving Educators the power to connect with and guide their students through specific content and a curated behavior model using Gemini’s existing feature: A Gem (a custom AI assistant).
AI Process
How Did We Leverage AI? Node-Based Tools?
Part of our research stage included a deep dive into the world of AI and its other existing tools. In addition to seeing how we can leverage AI towards a solution, we used Gemini's Nano Banana and other AI resources to our advantage in bringing our vision to life.
To bring the scenes to life, I used node-based AI platforms like Weavy and Flora. Their open-canvas structure let me connect images, prompts, and video references in a modular workflow. It allowed for iterative experimentation and greater control over transitions and storytelling.
The KPIs
Tool-Switching Rate, Prompt-Depth Ratio, Task Persistence, and Understanding
How often does the student stay within the Google Gemini ecosystem vs. getting distracted by other tabs?
The ratio of question-based AI responses versus direct answers.
A decrease in "Session Abandonment" and an increase in "Iterative Success." Success is when a student spends more time refining a single idea rather than jumping from prompt to prompt to find the "easiest" answer.
The student’s ability to summarize the reasoning behind their project decisions without looking at the AI's previous responses
Takeaways
AI Literacy, Creative Control, and Personalization
Understanding the product is as important as understanding the user. Exploring Gemini and other AI tools expanded my AI literacy and enabled me to manage an AI workflow.
Experimenting with node-based tools like Flora and Weavy helped me stay in control while developing and refining my final vision.
Personalization and educator control are essential for building trust and supporting diverse learning needs in AI-driven classrooms.