Zoom Chat Design
Zoom Chat Design
Zoom Chat Design
Duration
1 weeks
Stakeholders
Zoom Inc
Team
Solo Project :)
My Role
I redesigned the Zoom chat interface to better support students in virtual classrooms. I conducted a survey and used secondary research to guide both my focus and design decisions. Working within Zoom’s design guidelines, I created new interactions that seamlessly integrate into the existing system. I also prioritized accessibility to ensure a universal experience that accommodates all students.
Skills
UI Design
UX Research
Brand Identity
Design Systems
Tools
Figma
Google Suite
Duration
1 weeks
Stakeholders
Zoom Inc
Team
Solo Project :)
My Role
I redesigned the Zoom chat interface to better support students in virtual classrooms. I conducted a survey and used secondary research to guide both my focus and design decisions. Working within Zoom’s design guidelines, I created new interactions that seamlessly integrate into the existing system. I also prioritized accessibility to ensure a universal experience that accommodates all students.
Skills
UI Design
UX Research
Brand Identity
Design Systems
Tools
Figma
Google Suite
Duration
1 weeks
Stakeholders
Zoom Inc
Team
Solo Project :)
My Role
I redesigned the Zoom chat interface to better support students in virtual classrooms. I conducted a survey and used secondary research to guide both my focus and design decisions. Working within Zoom’s design guidelines, I created new interactions that seamlessly integrate into the existing system. I also prioritized accessibility to ensure a universal experience that accommodates all students.
Skills
UI Design
UX Research
Brand Identity
Design Systems
Tools
Figma
Google Suite
Overview
Overview
Overview
Zoom Threads
DESCRIPTION
I designed an improved Zoom chat experience that helps students ask and answer questions more naturally during virtual classes. It integrates seamlessly into the existing interface, adding typing indicators and message highlights to make conversations feel clearer and more connected.
Design Vision
DESCRIPTION
I set out to boost engagement in virtual classrooms by recreating the spontaneity of real-life discussions. The goal was to help students connect with peers and keep class conversations active and inclusive.
Zoom Threads
DESCRIPTION
I designed an improved Zoom chat experience that helps students ask and answer questions more naturally during virtual classes. It integrates seamlessly into the existing interface, adding typing indicators and message highlights to make conversations feel clearer and more connected.
Design Vision
DESCRIPTION
I set out to boost engagement in virtual classrooms by recreating the spontaneity of real-life discussions. The goal was to help students connect with peers and keep class conversations active and inclusive.
Zoom Threads
DESCRIPTION
I designed an improved Zoom chat experience that helps students ask and answer questions more naturally during virtual classes. It integrates seamlessly into the existing interface, adding typing indicators and message highlights to make conversations feel clearer and more connected.
Design Vision
DESCRIPTION
I set out to boost engagement in virtual classrooms by recreating the spontaneity of real-life discussions. The goal was to help students connect with peers and keep class conversations active and inclusive.
Solution
Redesign Zoom chat to help students ask questions, stay engaged, and build on shared discussions.
Context
Context
Context
Background
DESCRIPTION
When classrooms moved online during the pandemic, Zoom became the primary teaching platform for many universities, including the University of Guelph. The shift from in-person to virtual learning reshaped how students participated, engaged, and interacted with one another.
Background
DESCRIPTION
When classrooms moved online during the pandemic, Zoom became the primary teaching platform for many universities, including the University of Guelph. The shift from in-person to virtual learning reshaped how students participated, engaged, and interacted with one another.
Background
DESCRIPTION
When classrooms moved online during the pandemic, Zoom became the primary teaching platform for many universities, including the University of Guelph. The shift from in-person to virtual learning reshaped how students participated, engaged, and interacted with one another.
Problem
DESCRIPTION
As learning moved online, students faced technical and environmental challenges, from poor internet and limited devices to distracting home settings. The digital barrier between students and instructors further weakened engagement and connection.
Opportunity
DESCRIPTION
Online learning brought new challenges, but also a chance to create more inclusive, human experiences. Since every student uses Zoom chat, enhancing it offered a clear way to reduce friction, spark peer conversations, and make virtual classes feel more connected.
Problem
DESCRIPTION
As learning moved online, students faced technical and environmental challenges, from poor internet and limited devices to distracting home settings. The digital barrier between students and instructors further weakened engagement and connection.
Opportunity
DESCRIPTION
Online learning brought new challenges, but also a chance to create more inclusive, human experiences. Since every student uses Zoom chat, enhancing it offered a clear way to reduce friction, spark peer conversations, and make virtual classes feel more connected.
Problem
DESCRIPTION
As learning moved online, students faced technical and environmental challenges, from poor internet and limited devices to distracting home settings. The digital barrier between students and instructors further weakened engagement and connection.
Opportunity
DESCRIPTION
Online learning brought new challenges, but also a chance to create more inclusive, human experiences. Since every student uses Zoom chat, enhancing it offered a clear way to reduce friction, spark peer conversations, and make virtual classes feel more connected.
Challenge
How might I encourage more meaningful student participation by improving the Zoom chat experience?
Challenge
How might I encourage more meaningful student participation by improving the Zoom chat experience?
Challenge
How might I encourage more meaningful student participation by improving the Zoom chat experience?
Research
Research
Research
Understanding the Online Classroom Shift
DESCRIPTION
I reviewed research on online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify gaps in virtual classroom engagement. The findings revealed barriers to participation, accessibility challenges, and limitations in how tools like Zoom support collaboration.
Understanding the Online Classroom Shift
DESCRIPTION
I reviewed research on online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify gaps in virtual classroom engagement. The findings revealed barriers to participation, accessibility challenges, and limitations in how tools like Zoom support collaboration.
Understanding the Online Classroom Shift
DESCRIPTION
I reviewed research on online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify gaps in virtual classroom engagement. The findings revealed barriers to participation, accessibility challenges, and limitations in how tools like Zoom support collaboration.
Disrupted Learning Ecosystems
The abrupt shift to online learning left educators unprepared to foster meaningful interaction.
Teachers struggled to replicate classroom discussions and engagement online, resulting in more passive learning experiences [1].
Unequal Access to Resources
Not all students could participate equally in online classrooms.
Technical barriers such as unreliable internet connections and lack of appropriate devices limited consistent engagement for many students [2].
Home Environments as Barriers
Distractions and noise at home reduced opportunities for active participation.
Many students couldn’t unmute or speak comfortably in class, leading to reduced interaction and feelings of isolation [2].
Disrupted Learning Ecosystems
The abrupt shift to online learning left educators unprepared to foster meaningful interaction.
Teachers struggled to replicate classroom discussions and engagement online, resulting in more passive learning experiences [1].
Unequal Access to Resources
Not all students could participate equally in online classrooms.
Technical barriers such as unreliable internet connections and lack of appropriate devices limited consistent engagement for many students [2].
Home Environments as Barriers
Distractions and noise at home reduced opportunities for active participation.
Many students couldn’t unmute or speak comfortably in class, leading to reduced interaction and feelings of isolation [2].
Gaps in Virtual Classroom Chats
DESCRIPTION
These participation barriers are also reflected in today’s video conferencing tools. Platforms like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Bongo focus on basic messaging but overlook smarter interaction design. Without features that organize, prioritize, or surface key messages, chat remains a passive tool rather than an active space for collaboration.
Gaps in Virtual Classroom Chats
DESCRIPTION
These participation barriers are also reflected in today’s video conferencing tools. Platforms like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Bongo focus on basic messaging but overlook smarter interaction design. Without features that organize, prioritize, or surface key messages, chat remains a passive tool rather than an active space for collaboration.
Gaps in Virtual Classroom Chats
DESCRIPTION
These participation barriers are also reflected in today’s video conferencing tools. Platforms like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Bongo focus on basic messaging but overlook smarter interaction design. Without features that organize, prioritize, or surface key messages, chat remains a passive tool rather than an active space for collaboration.
Understanding Student Engagement on Zoom
DESCRIPTION
To uncover real challenges students face in virtual classrooms, I surveyed 84 students about their communication habits, frustrations, and strategies for staying engaged on Zoom.
Understanding Student Engagement on Zoom
DESCRIPTION
To uncover real challenges students face in virtual classrooms, I surveyed 84 students about their communication habits, frustrations, and strategies for staying engaged on Zoom.
Understanding Student Engagement on Zoom
DESCRIPTION
To uncover real challenges students face in virtual classrooms, I surveyed 84 students about their communication habits, frustrations, and strategies for staying engaged on Zoom.
The responses reveal how chat tools often fall short in supporting collaboration and clarity.
The responses reveal how chat tools often fall short in supporting collaboration and clarity.
The responses reveal how chat tools often fall short in supporting collaboration and clarity.
68%
68%
Of students regularly relied on Zoom chat as their main way to participate in class.
Of students regularly relied on Zoom chat as their main way to participate in class.
Many students turned to chat when speaking aloud wasn’t possible or felt disruptive.
87%
87%
Of respondents have a hard time following questions directed at them.
Of respondents have a hard time following questions directed at them.
Students often struggled to find messages and tell whether replies were meant for them.
2.26/5
2.26/5
Overall satisfaction with the current Zoom chat system.
Overall satisfaction with the current Zoom chat system.
Students expressed overall dissatisfaction with the current Zoom chat, highlighting a clear opportunity for improvement.
87%
Of respondents have a hard time following questions directed at them.
Students often struggled to find messages and tell whether replies were meant for them.
Zoom's Purpose
Zoom's Purpose
Zoom's Purpose
Designing Within Zoom’s Mission
DESCRIPTION
Zoom’s mission is to make communication frictionless and empower people to connect and collaborate.
Designing Within Zoom’s Mission
DESCRIPTION
Zoom’s mission is to make communication frictionless and empower people to connect and collaborate.
Designing Within Zoom’s Mission
DESCRIPTION
Zoom’s mission is to make communication frictionless and empower people to connect and collaborate.
Connecting Back to Learning
DESCRIPTION
As Zoom grew beyond a meeting platform into a central tool for education, its mission to connect people often stopped short in the classroom. While it enables communication, it doesn’t always foster spontaneous discussion or peer connection. My solution extends Zoom’s purpose by reimagining chat as a more human, collaborative space, through threaded replies, quote responses, and pinned questions.
Connecting Back to Learning
DESCRIPTION
As Zoom grew beyond a meeting platform into a central tool for education, its mission to connect people often stopped short in the classroom. While it enables communication, it doesn’t always foster spontaneous discussion or peer connection. My solution extends Zoom’s purpose by reimagining chat as a more human, collaborative space, through threaded replies, quote responses, and pinned questions.
Connecting Back to Learning
DESCRIPTION
As Zoom grew beyond a meeting platform into a central tool for education, its mission to connect people often stopped short in the classroom. While it enables communication, it doesn’t always foster spontaneous discussion or peer connection. My solution extends Zoom’s purpose by reimagining chat as a more human, collaborative space, through threaded replies, quote responses, and pinned questions.
Updating the problem statement
Updating the problem statement
How might we make Zoom’s chat a more connected and collaborative space for students to engage meaningfully during online classes?
How might we make Zoom’s chat a more connected and collaborative space for students to engage meaningfully during online classes?
Reimagining How Students Interact on Zoom
Reimagining How Students Interact on Zoom
Reimagining How Students Interact on Zoom
From Passive Chat to Active Collaboration
DESCRIPTION
After realizing Zoom chat felt underused and impersonal, I explored ways to make it more engaging and natural for classroom discussion. Early sketches focused on reducing communication friction while keeping the experience familiar.
Three ideas emerged:
Threaded Replies for structure and clarity.
Quote Responses for easy referencing.
Pinned Questions to highlight common concerns.
From Passive Chat to Active Collaboration
DESCRIPTION
After realizing Zoom chat felt underused and impersonal, I explored ways to make it more engaging and natural for classroom discussion. Early sketches focused on reducing communication friction while keeping the experience familiar.
Three ideas emerged:
Threaded Replies for structure and clarity.
Quote Responses for easy referencing.
Pinned Questions to highlight common concerns.
From Passive Chat to Active Collaboration
DESCRIPTION
After realizing Zoom chat felt underused and impersonal, I explored ways to make it more engaging and natural for classroom discussion. Early sketches focused on reducing communication friction while keeping the experience familiar.
Three ideas emerged:
Threaded Replies for structure and clarity.
Quote Responses for easy referencing.
Pinned Questions to highlight common concerns.
Design Decisions
Design Decisions
Design Decisions
01: Making Threads Visually Distinct but Seamless
DESCRIPTION
Threaded replies were designed to stand out from regular chat messages, easy to spot at a glance without disrupting focus. Their placement near the chat bar keeps them within a student’s peripheral vision, allowing quick recognition during lectures.
01: Making Threads Visually Distinct but Seamless
DESCRIPTION
Threaded replies were designed to stand out from regular chat messages, easy to spot at a glance without disrupting focus. Their placement near the chat bar keeps them within a student’s peripheral vision, allowing quick recognition during lectures.
01: Making Threads Visually Distinct but Seamless
DESCRIPTION
Threaded replies were designed to stand out from regular chat messages, easy to spot at a glance without disrupting focus. Their placement near the chat bar keeps them within a student’s peripheral vision, allowing quick recognition during lectures.
02: Keeping Interactions Compact
DESCRIPTION
To avoid clutter and maintain a clean chat layout, message actions, such as Reply, Quote, Like, and Resolve appear along the perimeter of the message bubble when hovered over. This placement keeps interactions accessible without disrupting the message area.
02: Keeping Interactions Compact
DESCRIPTION
To avoid clutter and maintain a clean chat layout, message actions, such as Reply, Quote, Like, and Resolve appear along the perimeter of the message bubble when hovered over. This placement keeps interactions accessible without disrupting the message area.
02: Keeping Interactions Compact
DESCRIPTION
To avoid clutter and maintain a clean chat layout, message actions, such as Reply, Quote, Like, and Resolve appear along the perimeter of the message bubble when hovered over. This placement keeps interactions accessible without disrupting the message area.
03: Contextual Quote Placement
DESCRIPTION
Quoting adapts to where the user’s focus is. When typing in the chat box, quotes appear as separate blocks for clearer reference while drafting. When selecting text within the chat, quotes appear inline to keep the flow natural and frictionless.
03: Contextual Quote Placement
DESCRIPTION
Quoting adapts to where the user’s focus is. When typing in the chat box, quotes appear as separate blocks for clearer reference while drafting. When selecting text within the chat, quotes appear inline to keep the flow natural and frictionless.
03: Contextual Quote Placement
DESCRIPTION
Quoting adapts to where the user’s focus is. When typing in the chat box, quotes appear as separate blocks for clearer reference while drafting. When selecting text within the chat, quotes appear inline to keep the flow natural and frictionless.
Designing for Connection
Designing for Connection
Designing for Connection
Threaded Replies
DESCRIPTION
Threads keep conversations organized and context clear. Students can respond directly to specific questions or comments, reducing clutter and keeping discussions easy to follow.
Threaded Replies
DESCRIPTION
Threads keep conversations organized and context clear. Students can respond directly to specific questions or comments, reducing clutter and keeping discussions easy to follow.
Threaded Replies
DESCRIPTION
Threads keep conversations organized and context clear. Students can respond directly to specific questions or comments, reducing clutter and keeping discussions easy to follow.
Quote Responses
DESCRIPTION
Quote lets students pull key points into new messages, making it easier to reference earlier ideas or continue a conversation without losing context.
Quote Responses
DESCRIPTION
Quote lets students pull key points into new messages, making it easier to reference earlier ideas or continue a conversation without losing context.
Quote Responses
DESCRIPTION
Quote lets students pull key points into new messages, making it easier to reference earlier ideas or continue a conversation without losing context.
Pinned Questions
DESCRIPTION
Pinned Questions give visibility to what matters most. Students can pin and upvote questions, helping instructors address common points of confusion while keeping discussions focused and inclusive.
Pinned Questions
DESCRIPTION
Pinned Questions give visibility to what matters most. Students can pin and upvote questions, helping instructors address common points of confusion while keeping discussions focused and inclusive.
Pinned Questions
DESCRIPTION
Pinned Questions give visibility to what matters most. Students can pin and upvote questions, helping instructors address common points of confusion while keeping discussions focused and inclusive.
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
Things I learned
Things I learned
Things I learned
Working With the System, Not Against It
DESCRIPTION
I learned that great design isn’t about reinventing what works, it’s about meeting users where they are. By building within Zoom’s existing design language, I created an experience that feels consistent, familiar, and effortless to use.
Quiet Needs, Bold Impact
DESCRIPTION
Students facing unstable internet, limited devices, or noisy environments often struggle to participate fully in class. These quiet barriers shaped my approach, reminding me that thoughtful design means creating experiences that include everyone, not just those best equipped to engage.
Working With the System, Not Against It
DESCRIPTION
I learned that great design isn’t about reinventing what works, it’s about meeting users where they are. By building within Zoom’s existing design language, I created an experience that feels consistent, familiar, and effortless to use.
Quiet Needs, Bold Impact
DESCRIPTION
Students facing unstable internet, limited devices, or noisy environments often struggle to participate fully in class. These quiet barriers shaped my approach, reminding me that thoughtful design means creating experiences that include everyone, not just those best equipped to engage.
Working With the System, Not Against It
DESCRIPTION
I learned that great design isn’t about reinventing what works, it’s about meeting users where they are. By building within Zoom’s existing design language, I created an experience that feels consistent, familiar, and effortless to use.
Quiet Needs, Bold Impact
DESCRIPTION
Students facing unstable internet, limited devices, or noisy environments often struggle to participate fully in class. These quiet barriers shaped my approach, reminding me that thoughtful design means creating experiences that include everyone, not just those best equipped to engage.
Designing Surveys with Purpose
DESCRIPTION
Creating my first survey taught me the importance of clear, unbiased questions and choosing the right formats, whether multiple choice, Likert scale, or open-ended. Pilot testing and peer feedback proved essential, helping me refine questions and collect insights that truly complemented my research.
SubTitle
DESCRIPTION
Body
Designing Surveys with Purpose
DESCRIPTION
Creating my first survey taught me the importance of clear, unbiased questions and choosing the right formats, whether multiple choice, Likert scale, or open-ended. Pilot testing and peer feedback proved essential, helping me refine questions and collect insights that truly complemented my research.
SubTitle
DESCRIPTION
Body
Designing Surveys with Purpose
DESCRIPTION
Creating my first survey taught me the importance of clear, unbiased questions and choosing the right formats, whether multiple choice, Likert scale, or open-ended. Pilot testing and peer feedback proved essential, helping me refine questions and collect insights that truly complemented my research.
