A REPORT ON “ E-Learning Platform For Learning”

Submitted to:
APEX SMART
(Odd) 2023

Submitted by:
Group 6
Program: BBA-BI
Section: Trade

Members
Sajjan Raj Pant (L)
Avani Aryal
Ishant Karki
Rabina Khadka
Sandeep Guragain
Siddhartha Gurung

June 2023
Kathmandu, Nepal

I
 Acknowledgement

With profound sense of gratitude and regard, we convey our sincere thanks to Apex college
and to our Smart Mentor Ms. Kanchan Chaudhary for her valuable guidance and the
confidence she instilled in us that helped us in completion of the project report. We would
like to thank her for providing the basic knowledge about design thinking and methodology
to be used for preparing the report.

An undertaking of study like this is never an outcome of efforts put in by a single person;
rather it bears imprint of number of persons who directly and indirectly helped us in
completing the study. We would also like to express our warm appreciations to the all the
individuals who helped and guided us directly and indirectly.

II
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgement ........................................................................................II
CHAPTER I................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER II ................................................................................................. 3
ANALYSIS ..................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Empathize ................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Define ..................................................................................................................... 16
2.3 Ideate ...................................................................................................................... 18
2.4 Prototype ................................................................................................................ 20
2.5 Testing .................................................................................................................... 24
CHAPTER III ............................................................................................. 26
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................. 26
REFRENCES ............................................................................................. 27

List of Figures
Figure 1 : Learn At Ease ................................................................................................... 21
Figure 2: Prototype of the site ........................................................................................... 23
Figure 3: Interface of Platform ......................................................................................... 23

III
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

In today's world, it is widely recognized that knowledge holds tremendous power. It

possesses the ability to profoundly impact and transform people's lives. Education, in
particular, empowers individuals to achieve their goals and pursue their aspirations.
Unfortunately, in Nepal, there exists a significant number of people who lack access to
quality education, particularly in rural areas. However, on a positive note, there is a
growing community of passionate professionals who are dedicated to sharing their
knowledge and helping students overcome these challenges.

The considerable advancements in internet and mobile phone penetration, improved power
supply, and rising living standards in Nepal present us with a remarkable opportunity to
make high-quality education accessible to a larger population. The Digital Nepal
framework, introduced by the Government of Nepal in 2019, recognizes digital education
as a critical sector for unlocking the country's growth potential. This, coupled with the
increasing adoption of technological innovations and government support, indicates the
promising growth potential of the e-learning industry in the foreseeable future.

Examining the current trends in education, it is evident that students nowadays are engaged
in learning multiple courses simultaneously. However, a single platform that offers a
diverse range of courses to cater to these students' needs is currently unavailable in the
market. Likewise, many highly qualified professionals are eager to teach and share their
expertise but lack a reliable platform to connect with students.

Addressing these inconsistencies, demographic considerations, and recognizing new

knowledge as a source of innovation, Learn at Ease has emerged as an online learning
platform. Its primary objective is to provide a reliable, user-friendly, and affordable
medium for students and instructors to connect, fostering a more convenient and accessible
learning experience. Learn at Ease serves as an online platform for teaching and learning,
bridging the gap between thousands of students and the skills they need to succeed.

1
Learn at Ease is an online learning platform that grants access to a wide range of courses,
including academic subjects, lifestyle topics, music, photography, personal development,
exam preparation, and more. The platform aims to make education affordable and
accessible, particularly for underprivileged students. It aims to make learning platform
accessible to individuals with disabilities, by providing captioning or transcripts for videos,
compatibility with screen readers, and adaptable user interfaces. It also provides support
for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety, offering one-on-one career
counseling. Highly qualified instructors deliver knowledge through electronic mediums,
and the platform operates on a subscription model with free access to essential resources
and premium content available as add-ons. Learn at Ease seeks to transform lives through
education, fostering community engagement and inclusive learning environments with the
help of emerging technologies.

At Learn at Ease, our vision is to bring about transformative change in people's lives
through education. We aspire to create an inclusive learning environment and foster
community engagement by leveraging emerging technologies.

2
 CHAPTER II

ANALYSIS

2.1 Empathize
2.1.1 Introduction

The empathy phase holds tremendous significance in the design thinking process as it
enables us to understand our users and their needs. By empathizing with our consumers,
we acquire significant insights into their experiences, motivations, and pain areas while
utilizing e-learning platforms. This thorough understanding serves as the underpinning for
building user-centered solutions that successfully address their particular difficulties and
enhance their overall learning experience. Through various research methods, including
interviews, surveys, and observation, we collect useful feedback to discover particular pain
points and produce targeted improvements. Embracing empathy also allows us to
acknowledge the varied variety of people and design inclusive solutions that cater to their
specific requirements. The empathy phase functions as a guiding force throughout the
analytical process, shaping the design of solutions that not only meet but surpass user
expectations. By prioritizing empathy, our learning platform delivers a responsive and
personalized experience that truly resonates with our users.

2.1.2 Research Methodology

For the concept of Learning at Ease, we used the quantitative and qualitative research
methods which included methods like included interviews, surveys, and user observations
which helped us to gather relevant data and insights.

2.1.2 Objective of research

1. Identifying the status, affordability, and usefulness of academic learning in Nepal.

1. Figuring out the challenges faced by students in e-learning in Nepal.
2. Identifying the need and impact of a learning platform providing life skills courses in
Nepal.
3. Determining the effectiveness and usefulness of online learning in Nepal.
4. Checking the feasibility of a subscription-based learning platform.

3
5. Finding out the opportunities and gaps in the learning platform market.

2.1.3 Literature review

A survey among 150 students on implementing E-learning in the far western region of
Nepal (2018) reveals that 75 % of respondents agreed on introducing online courses in the
future. The reasons for preferring e-learning over traditional methodology are cognitive-
based learning (28%, 42 respondents), self-paced learning (26%, 38 respondents), and
flexible learning (21%, 32 respondents).

A survey of 135 students on e-learning among health science students in Nepal reveals that
all the respondents use electronic devices for learning, and the majority (97.8%) believes
that electronic device influences students' academic performance. The laptop is the most
commonly used electronic device, followed by a smartphone. Most (80.7%) of the
respondents spent 1-4 hours on an electronic device for learning purposes, mainly for
taking classes, searching clinical guidelines, reference drug guidelines, and journal articles.

2.1.4 Survey administration

In the context of measuring the barriers to learning, ensuring the reliability of the data is of
utmost importance. To gather relevant insights, a questionnaire was designed using Google
Forms, consisting of six questions. This survey was administered to individuals involved
in the field of education in Nepal. The questionnaire aimed to capture their challenges,
experiences with e-learning, preferences, willingness to pay for and use e-learning
platforms, as well as their needs and expectations regarding e-learning in Nepal. In addition
to the questionnaire, extensive research was conducted to complement the survey data.
Crucial case studies on various reports, surveys, and digital frameworks provided by the
Nepal government were thoroughly reviewed. These resources helped in gaining a
comprehensive understanding of the online learning landscape in the country. Furthermore,
existing study reports and internet surfing were carried out to collect additional data and
insights. By considering primary survey data and existing research, the study aims to
understand the challenges and propose solutions to improve the learning experience in
Nepal.

4
2.1.5 Interviews and focus groups

Ensuring the dependability and reliability of collected data is crucial when measuring
barriers to learning. In this study, data was primarily collected through personal interviews
with students, friends, teachers, and professionals in the education field. These interviews
provided valuable insights into users' needs, preferences, motivations, pain points, and
expectations, while also allowing for contextual information and follow-up inquiries. The
diverse range of interview participants, including students from various institutions,
potential partners, teachers, parents, and professionals, helped identify commonalities and
differences among user segments. Complementing the interviews, surveys conducted
through platforms like Google Forms provided additional comprehensive data on user
experiences and expectations. By adopting this combined approach, the study ensured a
more reliable and user-centered understanding of barriers to learning, supporting the
development of tailored solutions to address learners' specific challenges and requirements.

2.1.6 Data analysis

The provided responses reflect the challenges faced in learning and e-learning in Nepal.
These challenges include a lack of face-to-face interaction, net problems, limited access to
websites, distractions, and a lack of teacher familiarity with technology. The respondents
also expressed concerns about the lack of reliable and cost-sensitive learning platforms, the
absence of relevant information on college courses, and a tendency to avoid online
mediums by teachers. Additionally, issues such as concentration difficulties,
inconvenience, and communication barriers were identified. This shows the need for
improved communication, reliable internet access, relevant learning resources, teacher
training, and strategies to enhance engagement and concentration. These findings can guide
efforts to overcome the identified challenges and improve the learning and e-learning
experiences in Nepal.

2.1.7 Feasibility Study

5
In the e-learning industry, new entrants have high potential due to low capital requirements
and favorable government policies. However, there are currently only a few e-learning
businesses in Nepal, offering limited holistic courses. This indicates low rivalry in the
industry, presenting a Greenfield opportunity for us. The bargaining power of suppliers is
reduced due to mass production of hardware and software, as well as the increasing number
of web development agencies. As students lack comprehensive course options from a
single platform, e-learning businesses like ours have. Although the traditional education
system remains dominant, the industry is attractive due to growth prospects, government
support, and less competition with strong bargaining power over suppliers and customers.

2.1.8 Participants

The participants in this research project depended upon the particular area of inquiry.
Although students are our main participants, we also include additional equally essential
people for our study analysis.

1. Students

In our study, students play a pivotal role as the most important participants. The focus of
our research primarily revolves around college-bound students within the age range of 14-
25 years old, as they constitute our primary target audience and consumers. It is crucial to
consider their perspectives and experiences, as they encounter substantial challenges in
their educational journey. These challenges include difficulties in learning college courses,
preparing for competitive exams, and managing multiple courses simultaneously. By
addressing and finding solutions to these significant problems faced by students, our
research becomes highly relevant and aims to make a meaningful impact on their learning
experiences.

6
2. Parents

Parents are essential participants in our services, providing valuable insights and feedback.
We engaged parents from diverse backgrounds to understand their concerns about their
child's education, learning, affordability, reliability, and convenience of our services. By
incorporating their perspectives, we tailor our offerings to meet their specific requirements
and foster a collaborative approach. This partnership ensures that our services align with
the needs and expectations of both students and parents, creating a supportive learning
environment.

3. Educational professionals and Teachers

Teachers and professionals offer invaluable insights for managing a learning platform,
drawing from their experience and background in education. They provide guidance on
effective learning strategies, areas for improvement, and enhancing knowledge and skills
among students. Their expertise informs curriculum design, instructional techniques, and
content selection, leading to an improved educational experience.

2.1.9 Findings & Insights:

Online learning has witnessed a surge in popularity, particularly due to the global COVID-
19 pandemic, which has fast-tracked the adoption of digital education worldwide. This
research aims to explore the compatibility, effectiveness, and affordability of existing
online learning platforms while investigating the needs, pain points, motivations,
expectations, and demands of students regarding these platforms. Additionally, the study
seeks to get into the underlying factors that influence and impact the learning process. Key
aspects addressed in this study include flexibility, enabling students to learn at their own
pace and location, affordability, offering low-cost learning options, and facilitating the
acquisition of unconventional skills aligned with students' interests. Proper interaction with
tutors is also emphasized. Through meticulous data analysis, several noteworthy findings,
common themes, patterns, and recurring concerns emerged, which will be detailed based
on the research results. The main findings of the research are:

7
1. Learning at their own pace and place

Students have different learning paces and limited access to quality education outside major
cities. They seek flexibility and personalized learning experiences. Our platform addresses
these challenges, offering a comfortable and self-paced environment for effective learning.

2. Learn at a cheap cost

Traditional education methods pose barriers due to expensive fees, limiting access to
quality education. Students in Nepal seek affordable and comprehensive learning options,
as cost sensitivity is high. Underprivileged students rely on loans or scholarships from
corporations and educational institutions for support which has been too difficult to get.

3. Interaction with professional tutors

Students desire to learn from experts in their fields, especially in unconventional courses
like music, photography, digital marketing, data science, and technical subjects. However,
those from less privileged backgrounds face barriers to accessing professional guidance.
They must relocate to major cities, incurring significant expenses for rent, living costs, and
transportation. This financial burden hampers their ability to learn from the best in the
industry.

4. Availability

Government jobs, universities, and colleges in Nepal are highly regarded. However,
individuals preparing for competitive exams must travel to major cities like Kathmandu
and Pokhara, limiting availability. To address this, more offline and online platforms are
needed for exam preparation. Students must pay substantial fees for IOE, IOM, CMAT,
KUUMAT, and PSC preparation. Increasing access to affordable resources and expanding
availability beyond central cities is essential.

8
2.1.10 Persona and Empathy Maps:

Persona: Prasanga

Background: Prasanga, a 21-year-old college student studying business administration,

seeks to learn multiple courses simultaneously with his college studies. He is tech-savvy
and prefers learning at his own pace using digital devices.

Motivation and Goals: Prasanga aims to build a diverse skillset before graduation to
become a qualified professional in the business world.

Behaviors: Prasanga is comfortable using mobile apps and prefers seamless integration
with his devices for convenient learning.

Persona: Pramish

Background: Pramish, a recent graduate in Arts and Law, wants to prepare for PSC exams.
Limited guidance and financial constraints hinder his preparation.

Motivation and Goals: Pramish seeks a learning platform that offers excellent guidance,
personalized learning, experienced tutors, and affordability for his exam preparation.

Behaviors: Pramish actively uses online platforms for research and learning, open to new
technological services that provide reliable and quality support at a lower cost.

Persona: Prakriti

Background: Prakriti is a 20-year-old MBBS student who wants to work part-time to cover
her daily expenses and contribute to her family's financial well-being.

Motivation and Goals: Prakriti is interested in teaching, seeking a part-time job that
allows her to share her knowledge and expertise with other MBBS aspirants.

Behaviors: Prakriti prioritizes helping others, engaging in teaching and learning activities,
and seeks flexibility in her work schedule.

9
2.1.11 Empathy Maps:

Empathy Maps for Prasanga:

Thoughts: Needs a platform for simultaneous learning of unconventional life skills

alongside college courses.

Feelings: Tensed about the inability to develop new skills to enhance performance and
qualification.

Actions: Actively searching for a reliable platform offering a wide range of courses.

Needs: A credible platform providing various courses to learn multiple skills conveniently.

Empathy Maps for Pramish:

Thoughts: Concerned about inadequate preparation due to the lack of a proper platform.

Feelings: Worried and stressed about career growth and improvement.

Actions: Researching institutions and using the internet to find answers to doubts.

Needs: A well-designed platform with interactive learning, specialized guidance, and

comprehensive preparation courses.

Empathy Maps for Prakriti:

Thoughts: Aims to help her family and share her expertise with other students.

Feelings: Determined to contribute financially and provide relief to her parents.

Actions: Exploring part-time jobs and seeking a platform that offers suitable employment
options.

Needs: A flexible platform where she can work according to her schedule, share her
expertise, and receive a good salary.

10
2.1.12 Synthesis

The report highlights the significance of education and the need for improved access to
quality education in Nepal, particularly in rural areas. It emphasizes the potential of digital
education and the importance of government support for its development. The lack of a
comprehensive platform for learning multiple courses and the eagerness of qualified
professionals to teach and share knowledge are identified as challenges. In response, Learn
at Ease is introduced as an online learning platform aiming to provide convenient,
affordable, and personalized learning experiences. The preferences and challenges of
students regarding online learning, such as flexibility, affordability, interaction with
professional tutors, and access to exam preparation resources, are also discussed. The
report suggests that Learn at Ease can address these needs and challenges by offering a
reliable platform with dynamic content and individualized learning opportunities,
contributing to improving education in Nepal.

Based on the research findings, the most significant patterns that emerged are as follows:

1. Demand for Flexibility and Personalized Learning: Students in Nepal seek

flexibility in their learning journey, allowing them to learn at their own pace and
location. They desire personalized learning experiences that caters their individual
need and preference to learn from the best in the industry.

2. Affordability and Cost Sensitivity: The cost of education poses a significant barrier
for students in Nepal. They prioritize affordable learning options and value cost
sensitivity. Limited access to quality education outside major cities further amplifies
the need for affordable alternatives.

3. Desire for Interaction with Professional Tutors: Students express a strong desire to
learn from experts in various fields. They are particularly interested in unconventional
courses such as music, photography, digital marketing, and technical subjects.
However, financial constraints and the need to relocate to major cities for access to
professional guidance hinder their ability to learn from the best the best in industry.

11
4. Limited Availability of Exam Preparation Resources: Preparing for competitive
exams, such as IOE, IOM, CMAT, KUUMAT, and PSC, requires individuals to travel
to major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. This limitation in availability calls for the
establishment of more offline and online platforms for exam preparation. Students also
face significant fees associated with these preparations, emphasizing the need for
access to affordable resources.

Overall, this report provides a comprehensive overview of the education landscape in

Nepal, the challenges faced by students, the research methodology employed, key findings,
and the personas developed to guide the development of Learn at Ease as an effective
online learning platform. By addressing the identified needs and challenges, Learn at Ease
has the potential to significantly improve education in Nepal by offering a reliable platform
with dynamic content and individualized learning opportunities. It will facilitate flexibility,
affordability, interaction with professional tutors, and access to exam preparation
resources, ultimately contributing to the educational advancement of students in Nepal.

2.1.13 Recommendations:

Based on the findings from the empathy phase, the following recommendations outline
prospective design directions, features, or concepts that align with the identified user needs,
with the aim of improving learning in Nepal:

1. Expand Course Offerings: Based on extensive research, it is evident that students in

Nepal exhibit a strong interest in learning a wide range of subjects and acquiring
diverse skills. To meet this demand, learning platforms should prioritize the expansion
of their course offerings to cater to the varied interests and needs of students. This
expansion should encompass academic courses, lifestyle courses, music, photography,
personal development, and exam preparation courses. By providing a diverse array of
courses, learning platforms can empower a larger student population to fulfill their
specific learning goals and aspirations.

12
2. Enhance User Experience: To attract and retain students, it is essential to place a
significant emphasis on enhancing the user experience of learning platforms. This
entails the development of a user-friendly interface and the provision of dynamic
content that engages learners effectively. The platform should be intuitive, easy to
navigate, and offer interactive learning materials such as videos, quizzes, and
assignments. Regular updates and additions of new content will ensure that the platform
remains fresh and relevant. By improving the user experience, learning platforms can
create a more enjoyable and effective learning environment, leading to increased
student engagement and success.

3. Collaborate with Qualified Professionals: Recognizing the demand for interaction

with professional tutors, learning platforms should establish partnerships with highly
qualified instructors and subject matter experts. These professionals can actively
contribute to course development, provide personalized guidance to students, and
enhance the overall learning experience. Collaborating with qualified professionals
ensures the delivery of high-quality education and offers students valuable insights and
mentorship. By fostering such collaborations, learning platforms can enhance their
credibility and provide students with access to expertise from various fields.

4. Improve Accessibility and Affordability: In light of the cost sensitivity and limited
access to quality education in rural areas, it is crucial for learning platforms to prioritize
improving accessibility and affordability. This may involve implementing strategies
such as offering flexible pricing plans, scholarships, and discounts for underprivileged
students. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure that the platform remains
accessible even with limited internet connectivity, and compatibility with various
devices, including smartphones, is essential. By addressing these accessibility and
affordability challenges, learning platforms can bridge the education gap and enable a
wider student population to access quality education.

13
5. Collaborate with Government Initiatives: Leveraging the Digital Nepal framework
and the government's support for digital education, learning platforms should actively
seek collaborations with government initiatives. This could entail seeking partnerships,
grants, or endorsements from government bodies to enhance the platform's credibility
and reach. By aligning with government initiatives, learning platforms can access
additional resources and support, allowing them to expand their impact and provide
quality education to a larger number of students across the country.

6. Market and Promote the Platform: To attract a wider audience and increase
awareness about online learning, learning platforms should develop and implement
effective marketing and promotion strategies. This may involve online advertising,
engaging social media campaigns, partnerships with educational institutions, and active
participation in relevant education events and conferences. Leveraging testimonials and
success stories from satisfied students can also play a pivotal role in building trust and
credibility among potential users. By effectively marketing and promoting the
platform, learning platforms can maximize their visibility and reach, thereby attracting
more students to benefit from online learning opportunities.

7. Continuous Improvement and Feedback: Learning platforms should establish a

culture of continuous improvement by actively seeking feedback from students,
parents, and teachers. Regular surveys, focus groups, and user feedback should be
collected and analyzed to identify areas for improvement and address any challenges
or concerns raised by users. Incorporating feedback into the platform's development
process enables data-driven improvements, ensuring that the platform remains
responsive to the evolving needs of its users. By prioritizing continuous improvement
and feedback, learning platforms can provide a tailored and effective learning
experience for their students.

14
By implementing these comprehensive recommendations, learning platforms in, Nepal can
enhance their offerings, user experience, accessibility, affordability, credibility, and overall
effectiveness. This will contribute to the advancement of education and provide students
with valuable learning opportunities to thrive and succeed in their academic and personal
pursuits.

Apart from the above-mentioned concepts and features, further areas of research or
exploration can be:

1. Teacher Training and Familiarity: Conduct a comprehensive study on the challenges

that teachers face when adopting and integrating technology into their teaching
practices. Investigate the barriers they encounter, such as limited digital literacy and
unfamiliarity with online teaching tools. Develop training programs and support
systems specifically designed to enhance teachers' digital literacy and provide them
with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively integrate technology into their
teaching methods.

2. Quality Assurance and Accreditation: Address concerns regarding the quality and
credibility of online learning platforms by implementing mechanisms for quality
assurance, accreditation, and certification. Establish industry standards that online
courses must meet to ensure their quality and effectiveness. Collaborate with relevant
stakeholders, including employers and educational institutions, to establish recognition
and acceptance of these courses. Regularly assess and monitor the courses offered on
the platform to maintain high standards of quality and credibility.

3. Integration of Emerging Technologies: Keep up-to-date with the latest advancements

in emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and
artificial intelligence (AI), and their potential applications in education. Investigate
how VR and AR can be used to create immersive and interactive learning
environments, and how AI can be utilized for personalized learning and adaptive
assessments. Collaborate with experts and researchers in these fields to ensure the
effective integration of emerging technologies into the online learning platform.

15
4. Foster Collaboration and Peer Learning: Recognize the importance of collaboration
and peer learning in the online learning environment. Explore ways to facilitate virtual
collaboration among students, allowing them to work together on projects, share
knowledge, and engage in discussions. Implement features such as online discussion
forums, group assignments, and peer feedback systems to encourage collaborative
learning and create a sense of community among learners.

5. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Recognizes the significance of ensuring accessibility

and inclusivity in online learning. Develop the strategies that cater to diverse learning
styles and preferences, allowing learners to customize their experiences based on their
individual needs.

By focusing on these features and conducting further research in these areas, platforms can
enhance it improve learning outcomes, and make quality education more accessible to a
larger population in Nepal.

2.2 Define

In the context of an e-learning platform attempting to solve the learning problem in Nepal,
the Define phase is an essential step in the design thinking and entrepreneurship process as
it is iterative in nature and is utilized in various stages of entrepreneurship. During this
phase, entrepreneurs delve into understanding the core difficulties and demands of learners
in Nepal to build new and practical solutions. By correctly identifying the problem
statement, entrepreneurs may sympathize with learners, develop a deeper understanding of
their pain points, and uncover opportunities for innovation that can drive substantial change
in the learning landscape.

To describe the problem adequately, entrepreneurs must obtain insights and data about the
target audience in Nepal. This can be performed through different approaches, including
surveys, interviews, and market research. By profoundly understanding learners'

16
preferences, behaviors, and pain points, entrepreneurs can unearth significant insights that
aid them in defining the problem they must solve. By researching the unique circumstances
and obstacles learners encounter in Nepal, entrepreneurs may better understand their
demands and create products accordingly.

The analysis and structuring of the acquired information play a significant role in
developing the problem statement. Once the data is acquired, entrepreneurs must analyze
and arrange the information to uncover patterns, trends, and recurrent themes. This analysis
helps frame the problem statement and narrows down the emphasis of the design thinking
process. The problem statement should be concise, detailed, and actionable, allowing
entrepreneurs to produce unique ideas and solutions that effectively address the identified
challenges.

Identifying the obstacles and limits experienced by learners in Nepal is a critical component
of the Define phase. These challenges may include difficulty accessing quality education,
lack of legitimate and reliable e-learning platforms, language barriers, or restricted
connectivity. By recognizing these obstacles, entrepreneurs can conduct further studies to
delve into their origins and restrictions while identifying innovation potential. This more
profound research allows for a more comprehensive grasp of the problem environment and
helps uncover possibilities to establish distinct value propositions that differentiate the e-
learning platform.

To evaluate the performance of design solutions, entrepreneurs need to set evaluation

criteria that are measurable and linked with the goals and objectives of the e-learning
platform. These factors may include customer happiness, corporate effect, innovation and
technology adoption, and sustainability. Regularly reviewing these criteria ensures that the
design solutions accomplish their intended results and generate positive change in Nepal's
learning landscape.

Furthermore, particular metrics or indicators should be applied to measure the success and
impact of the design solutions. Metrics such as student engagement, knowledge retention
rates, and course completion rates can be utilized to determine the overall increase in

17
educational outcomes for Nepal learners and determine the solutions' efficacy. These
metrics give quantitative data that can guide further enhancements and quantify the impact
of the e-learning platform.

A customer-centric strategy is vital in the Define phase, where entrepreneurs understand

the specific needs and goals of learners in Nepal. Entrepreneurs may ensure that the
solutions efficiently satisfy the learners' requirements by empathizing with the target
audience, finding pain spots, and building individualized and bespoke learning
experiences. This strategy places the learners at the center of the solution development
process, boosting their learning experiences and happiness.

Entrepreneurs may exploit data and learner insights to develop the e-learning platform
regularly. By developing a platform aggregating learners' recommendations, feedback, and
experiences, entrepreneurs can acquire vital information that guides decision-making and
leads to a more personalized learning environment. This data-driven strategy helps
businesses make educated decisions, adjust materials and resources, and improve the
overall learning experience for learners in Nepal.

In conclusion, the Define phase in design thinking for an e-learning platform in Nepal plays
a crucial role in understanding learners' fundamental difficulties and wants. By correctly
describing the problem statement, entrepreneurs may empathize with learners, expose their
pain areas, and create innovation potential. This phase establishes the framework for
building practical solutions that address the particular context of learning in Nepal, driving
positive change and providing learners with a competitive advantage in their educational
journey.

2.3 Ideate

This section of the design thinking report delves into the key aspects of the ideate phase,
highlighting its significance and outlining the methodologies employed to stimulate idea
generation. During this phase, a range of new solutions is generated to address the
highlighted difficulties and fulfill the specific needs of learners in Nepal. Techniques such

18
as brainstorming, mind mapping, and SWOT analysis are applied to promote creative
thinking and explore alternative perspectives.

Adopting a diversified strategy is vital to building a holistic solution for Nepal's learning
landscape. Managing infrastructure and technical support is vital for the success of e-
learning platforms. Reliable internet connectivity can be assured by establishing
partnerships with internet service providers and campaigning for upgraded infrastructure
in rural places. Furthermore, agreements with device manufacturers or research device loan
schemes might be explored to make affordable gadgets available to learners. Technological
assistance and support should readily be available to learners to address technological
issues.

To accomplish the above measures, Firstly, boosting access to funding opportunities and
assisting learning entrepreneurs should be prioritized, which helps stimulate innovation
and scalability in the industry. This includes soliciting investor alliances, developing grants
or funding programs, and coaching prospective entrepreneurs. Enhancing market
awareness through focused digital marketing efforts and innovative relationships with
educational institutions can draw learners and customers to our platform. We can raise
awareness and adoption of our e-learning product by harnessing technology and employing
innovative marketing techniques.

Platforms delivering services need to cooperate closely with regulatory authorities to push
for policies that stimulate innovation and remove needless barriers to entry. Additionally,
platforms should actively participate in industry events and online forums and explore
partnerships with educational institutions to stimulate stakeholder collaboration and
networking. By bringing together individuals from varied experiences, expertise, and
viewpoints, the aim is to get a more thorough grasp of the difficulties and potential
solutions that may be easily acquired.

A user-friendly platform should allow learners to organize their learning materials, access
educational resources, and participate in interactive content to improve their learning
experience. Through ongoing innovation and the development of unique courses, we can

19
give learners engaging and relevant information, and collaboration with professional
course instructors and specialists in numerous sectors will ensure the delivery of high-
quality educational experiences.

Personalized learning routes and adaptive learning technologies should be included in the
platforms. These solutions will enable learners to have personalized learning experiences
depending on their requirements, preferences, and learning styles. By leveraging data
analytics and artificial intelligence, we can give individualized suggestions and adaptive
assessments that maximize learning results for each student.

In conclusion, the ideation step bears significant importance in our design thinking
approach for the e-learning platform in Nepal. Through exploring various ideation
techniques and considering diverse perspectives, entrepreneurs and designers can generate
innovative ideas that empower learners, enhance the accessibility and quality of education,
and contribute to the overall growth and development of the e-learning industry in Nepal.
By adopting a collaborative and user-centered approach, meaningful and impactful
solutions to Nepal's learning challenge can be generated.

2.4 Prototype

The prototype phase is a critical stage within the design thinking process, providing as a
bridge between ideation and implementation. In this phase, we transform our revolutionary
ideas into concrete representations that allow us to test and perfect our thoughts before
advancing towards full-scale development. During this phase a prototype incorporating a
number of features is designed to enhance the learning experience and address the
highlighted challenges. It offers an intuitive user interface, personalized learning elements,
and interactive characteristics. The prototype also leverages technology such as artificial
intelligence and virtual reality to give recommendations and immersive learning
experiences. Through prototype approaches, entrepreneurs can test and develop the design,
functionality, and usability to build a user-centric and effective product. The process
follows an iterative design approach, in which several iterations of the prototype are
developed and input is taken from users and stakeholders at each iteration. This feedback
loop allows us to develop the prototype based on user inputs, ensuring that the final solution

20
properly solves the stated learning obstacles. Incorporating feedback loops with users and
stakeholders at each iteration is highly critical. This facilitates constant adjustment based
on beneficial insights, guaranteeing that the final solution effectively handles the identified
learning issues. The prototype features an easy user interface that enables users to simply
travel through the platform and access learning information. The interface design is
frequently adjusted depending on user feedback to maximize usability and offer a fluid
learning experience. The prototype incorporates artificial intelligence algorithms. These
algorithms analyse user data, including previous learning experiences and preferences, to
give individualized recommendations and tailored learning routes. This capability ensures
that each user receives a personalized learning experience. Additionally, the prototype
incorporates virtual reality technology to create immersive learning experiences, engaging
users through interactive components. Extensive testing and validation are conducted
throughout the prototype process, utilizing user testing sessions, surveys, and data analysis
to assess usability and functionality. This information leads further changes and
enhancements, ensuring that the final product fits consumer needs. The prototype phase
plays a significant role in building a unique e-learning platform that effectively addresses
learning issues and improves the learning experience.

Figure 1 : Learn At Ease

21
Learn At Ease is an online learning platform that aims to make quality education accessible
to a large number of students in Nepal. The platform connects students with highly
qualified professionals who are passionate about teaching and sharing their knowledge. It
offers a wide range of courses in various fields, including academic learning, lifestyle,
music, photography, personality development, career counseling, and other life skills. It
also aims to help the people with disability as well as by providing accessibility features
such as closed captions, transcripts, screen reader compatibility, and adjustable font sizes.
These features enable individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments, or
learning disabilities to engage effectively with the learning materials. The platform
operates on a subscription model, where students can access basic learning resources for
free and opt for premium content as add-ons. Learn At Ease’s core strategy revolves around
providing a reliable, convenient, and affordable way for students and instructors to connect
and learn.

The business idea stems from the growing number of professionals in Nepal who are eager
to share their knowledge and the increasing internet and mobile phone penetration in the
country. The government's Digital Nepal framework and support for digital education
further highlight the growth potential of the e-learning industry. The platform aims to fill
the gap in the market by offering a single platform with a wide range of courses, allowing
students to learn multiple subjects simultaneously. Learn At Ease differentiates itself
through its wide course offerings, credible platform with instructor profiles, interactive
learning experiences, a strong network of instructors, and valuable gains for students, such
as practical learning opportunities and networking events. The market scope for Learn At
Ease includes students above the age of 15, considering the significant number of out-of-
school adolescents and the literacy rate in Nepal. The industry analysis reveals that e-
learning is still in its early stages in Nepal, with few competitors focusing on school-level
education. The government's regulatory support and policies, along with the increasing
internet penetration and mobile phone usage, make the industry attractive for online
learning platforms. The prototypes below visually displayes these capabilities and their
application in the context of e-learning. The report contains visuals interface diagrams to
demonstrate the various aspects of the prototypes.

22
 Figure 2: Prototype of the site

Figure 3: Interface of Platform

23
Learn At Ease's strategic resources consist of constant innovation in teaching methods,
development of unique courses, a network of professional instructors, valuable strategic
alliances with the government and private affiliates, and the integration of information and
communication technology (ICT) for enhanced learning experiences. The platform relies
on partnerships with instructors and teachers from different universities for course content,
website and mobile app development agencies for technical support, and hardware and
software suppliers. Key relationships include universities, HR consultancies, and
government agencies, which are crucial for course development, market insights, and
support.

Overall, Learn At Ease's business model revolves around providing accessible and
comprehensive online learning opportunities to students in Nepal, leveraging technology
and partnerships to deliver quality education and transform lives.

2.5 Testing

Testing plays a vital role in the development and improvement of e-learning platforms
aimed at solving learning problems in Nepal. By evaluating the effectiveness and usability
of new products and services before their launch, testing can identify issues and areas for
enhancement, ensuring that the final e-learning platform meets the needs and expectations
of users.

In the context of e-learning platforms for Nepal, testing can take various forms, including
user testing, market testing, and prototype testing. User testing involves engaging real
learners to use the platform and provide feedback on its usability, effectiveness, and overall
experience. This feedback helps identify any difficulties or confusion users may face,
allowing for improvements in design and functionality. Market testing involves releasing
the platform to a small group of learners in schools, colleges or university in Nepal to
evaluate its appeal and potential success. By collecting data on user engagement and
satisfaction, market testing helps in refining the platform's features to better meet the
specific requirements of Nepali learners. Prototype testing, on the other hand, involves

24
creating a mock-up or prototype of the platform to assess its functionality, design, and
effectiveness, allowing for iterative improvements based on user feedback.

Testing is crucial as it enables e-learning companies to proactively identify and address

problems before they become significant issues. For instance, through user testing, if the
platform proves to be challenging to use, feedback can guide improvements in the user
interface and user experience design. Similarly, market testing can determine the appeal
and viability of innovative learning approaches or features tailored to the Nepali context,
and interactive learning tools. This iterative testing process helps optimize the platform's
functionality and content, ensuring that it effectively addresses the learning challenges
faced by individuals in Nepal.

Ultimately, testing is an integral part of the design thinking and entrepreneurial process in
the e-learning industry. By rigorously evaluating the effectiveness and usability of new
products and services before their launch, e-learning companies can identify and address
issues, enhance the overall learning experience, and increase the platform's chances of
success in the Nepali market. Continuous testing and refinement lead to the development
of better e-learning products and services, ultimately resulting in an improved learning
experience for all learners in Nepal.

25
 CHAPTER III

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, design thinking is crucial for fostering innovation in the e-learning sector,
especially in Nepal, where tackling educational difficulties is of the utmost importance. E-
learning platforms can produce creative solution ns that successfully handle the changing
demands and preferences of students by adhering to fundamental methods like identifying
learners, articulating the problem, developing ideas, creating prototypes, and carrying out
testing. The customer-centric approach of design thinking, which enables e-learning
platforms to produce unique goods and services that successfully suit the special demands
of learners, is a significant benefit of employing it in this context.

Additionally, design thinking supports a creative climate inside e-learning platforms. These
platforms foster a culture where new ideas are nourished and embraced through supporting
creativity, welcoming experimentation, and encouraging measured risks. This unique
culture promotes worker productivity, job satisfaction, and engagement, leading to
platform success and continued platform improvement. E-learning platforms may set
themselves apart and deliver students unique and compelling learning experiences by
discovering new opportunities and creating creative solutions. This boosts the platform's
reputation and brand image while also growing market share, revenue, and profitability.
Design thinking facilitates collaborative problem-solving by utilizing technical
capabilities, expertise, and multiple stakeholder viewpoints. E-learning platforms can
provide complete and effective solutions to handle the particular learning difficulties faced
by people in Nepal by harnessing the skills and insights of people from diverse
backgrounds.

Finally, the combination of design thinking and entrepreneurship offers a robust framework
for fostering innovation within the Nepali e-learning sector. By putting these principles into
reality, e-learning platforms may design solutions that put students' needs first, foster
innovation, preserve market competitiveness, and provide important and transformative
learning experiences. These platforms strive to improve and develop education in Nepal
by empowering students and influencing the direction of e-learning.

26
 REFRENCES

Bhatta, R. (2018, December). E-learning among health science students of Nepal.

Retrieved from International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health:
https://www.ijcmph.com/index.php/ijcmph/article/view/3798
Nepal, G. o. (2019). Nepalindata. Retrieved from
https://nepalindata.com/media/resources/items/15/bEN_Digital_Nepal_Framewor
k_V7.2March2019.pdf
Sharma, G. (2018, September). Implementing E-Learning in Far Western Region of
Nepal. Retrieved from Researchgate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332839541_Implementing_E-
Learning_in_Far_Western_Region_of_Nepal

27