Sainath's Portfolio

KidsConnect

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KidsConnect helps parents assign chores, track progress, and motivate children through a parent-controlled rewards and loyalty system where kids earn coins, badges, streaks, and redeemable rewards.

“How might we help parents manage household chores while motivating children to complete tasks consistently through rewards, streaks, badges, and parent-approved redemption?”

“How might we help parents manage household chores while motivating children to complete tasks consistently through rewards, streaks, badges, and parent-approved redemption?”

My role

UX Designer, Researcher
Conducted user interviews, surveys, and usability tests to gather actionable insights from caregivers.
Planned and analyzed findings, and iterated designs to enhance the user experience.
Maintained clear documentation and facilitated team communication to align on goals and deliver user-centered solutions.

UX Designer, Researcher
Conducted user interviews, surveys, and usability tests to gather actionable insights from caregivers.
Planned and analyzed findings, and iterated designs to enhance the user experience.
Maintained clear documentation and facilitated team communication to align on goals and deliver user-centered solutions.

UX Designer, Researcher
Conducted user interviews, surveys, and usability tests to gather actionable insights from caregivers.
Planned and analyzed findings, and iterated designs to enhance the user experience.
Maintained clear documentation and facilitated team communication to align on goals and deliver user-centered solutions.

Duration: 11 Weeks

Duration: 11 Weeks

Project Background

Families today use a variety of methods to stay organized and maintain daily routines, especially when managing responsibilities across multiple age groups. As digital tools increasingly become part of everyday life, there is an opportunity to explore how thoughtful design can enhance collaboration, communication, and engagement within the home environment.

Families today use a variety of methods to stay organized and maintain daily routines, especially when managing responsibilities across multiple age groups. As digital tools increasingly become part of everyday life, there is an opportunity to explore how thoughtful design can enhance collaboration, communication, and engagement within the home environment.

This project explores the development of a digital solution intended to support shared responsibilities in family settings. Through user-centered design practices, the focus was placed on understanding real-life routines, identifying areas for improvement, and creating a system that complements diverse parenting styles and household dynamics.

This project explores the development of a digital solution intended to support shared responsibilities in family settings. Through user-centered design practices, the focus was placed on understanding real-life routines, identifying areas for improvement, and creating a system that complements diverse parenting styles and household dynamics.

Problem

There is a clear gap in the digital space for a simple app that helps families stay organized and keeps children involved in everyday tasks. Without the right tools, it becomes harder for families to build healthy routines and share responsibilities.

There is a clear gap in the digital space for a simple app that helps families stay organized and keeps children involved in everyday tasks. Without the right tools, it becomes harder for families to build healthy routines and share responsibilities.

1: No All-in-One Solution

Parents juggle multiple ways for tasks, tracking, and rewards or stop using them altogether.

2: Overcomplicated or Money-Focused

Most apps rely on cash rewards or are too complex for daily family use.

3: Lack of Customization

Current tools don’t adapt to different parenting styles, age groups, or routines.

4: Low Engagement for Kids

Apps lack fun and gamification, making them less motivating for children.

5: Weak reward follow-through

Bad follow-through for task completion, quality approval, coins, badges, and reward redemption.

1: No All-in-One Solution

Parents juggle multiple ways for tasks, tracking, and rewards or stop using them altogether.

2: Overcomplicated or Money-Focused

Most apps rely on cash rewards or are too complex for daily family use.

3: Lack of Customization

Current tools don’t adapt to different parenting styles, age groups, or routines.

4: Low Engagement for Kids

Apps lack fun and gamification, making them less motivating for children.

5: Weak reward follow-through

Bad follow-through for task completion, quality approval, coins, badges, and reward redemption.

Research: Competitive & SWOT Analyses

To better understand the landscape of chore and family management applications, we conducted a competitive and SWOT analysis. I reviewed apps like Greenlight and BusyKid to understand how families currently manage tasks/finances and to identify gaps KidsConnect could address. Both apps are well-established in the child finance and task management space, but they present key limitations.

To better understand the landscape of chore and family management applications, we conducted a competitive and SWOT analysis. I reviewed apps like Greenlight and BusyKid to understand how families currently manage tasks/finances and to identify gaps KidsConnect could address. Both apps are well-established in the child finance and task management space, but they present key limitations.

BusyKid

Strong chore-to-money connection. Less focus on non-monetary rewards, family routines, and fun motivation

Greenlight

Strong financial learning and parental controls. Can feel too finance-heavy for younger children

KidsConnect

Parent-controlled chores, coins, badges, streaks, and flexible rewards. Focuses on motivation, family engagement, and habit-building instead of only money

User Reasearch

To understand how families manage daily chores and task routines, I conducted surveys, interviews, and user testing with parents and caregivers. The goal was to uncover common pain points and identify tools that would make chore management easier. I also gathered child behavior insights through parent observations, which helped me with motivation styles.

To understand how families manage daily chores and task routines, I conducted surveys, interviews, and user testing with parents and caregivers. The goal was to uncover common pain points and identify tools that would make chore management easier. I also gathered child behavior insights through parent observations, which helped me with motivation styles.

Insights gathered through direct feedback and virtual conversations revealed key needs, such as simple task setup, customizable non-financial rewards, and a clear, user-friendly interface.

Insights gathered through direct feedback and virtual conversations revealed key needs, such as simple task setup, customizable non-financial rewards, and a clear, user-friendly interface.

But a key opportunity emerged around motivation after task assignment. Parents did not only need a way to create chores; they needed a system that helped children stay engaging after the first few days. This led to the loyalty layer: coins, streaks, badges, approval-based rewards, and progress visibility.

But a key opportunity emerged around motivation after task assignment. Parents did not only need a way to create chores; they needed a system that helped children stay engaging after the first few days. This led to the loyalty layer: coins, streaks, badges, approval-based rewards, and progress visibility.

User Survey Takeaways

To guide the KidsConnect design, a survey of 19 participants including parents, couples, and childcare providers revealed that 56.3% still rely on verbal chore assignments with minimal use of digital tools. Data was collected through Google Forms and FigJam, combining quantitative and qualitative insights.

To guide the KidsConnect design, a survey of 19 participants including parents, couples, and childcare providers revealed that 56.3% still rely on verbal chore assignments with minimal use of digital tools. Data was collected through Google Forms and FigJam, combining quantitative and qualitative insights.

Most parents preferred non-financial rewards like screen time and outings, highlighting the need for customizable incentives. Key challenges included tracking tasks, sustaining motivation, and balancing responsibilities. Participants showed strong interest in age-based automation, gamification, calendar integration, and progress tracking, shaping the app’s focus on ease of use and family-friendly design.

Most parents preferred non-financial rewards like screen time and outings, highlighting the need for customizable incentives. Key challenges included tracking tasks, sustaining motivation, and balancing responsibilities. Participants showed strong interest in age-based automation, gamification, calendar integration, and progress tracking, shaping the app’s focus on ease of use and family-friendly design.

User Interview Takeaway

Interviews with six participants including parents, couples, and teachers revealed that most relied on verbal reminders or physical lists, with minimal use of digital tools. Key challenges included time constraints and inconsistent task management.

Interviews with six participants including parents, couples, and teachers revealed that most relied on verbal reminders or physical lists, with minimal use of digital tools. Key challenges included time constraints and inconsistent task management.

Interviews with six participants including parents, couples, and teachers revealed that most relied on verbal reminders or physical lists, with minimal use of digital tools. Key challenges included time constraints and inconsistent task management.

Participants emphasized the need for a simple, easy-to-use app with features like shared calendars, task reminders, gamification, voice-to-text, and affordability. These insights shaped the core design priorities for KidsConnect.

Participants emphasized the need for a simple, easy-to-use app with features like shared calendars, task reminders, gamification, voice-to-text, and affordability. These insights shaped the core design priorities for KidsConnect.

Participants emphasized the need for a simple, easy-to-use app with features like shared calendars, task reminders, gamification, voice-to-text, and affordability. These insights shaped the core design priorities for KidsConnect.

72%

Parents struggle to keep kids motivated

65%

Families juggle try different methods for chores & rewards

6 hrs/week

Time parents spend managing tasks

58%

Kids lose interest in chores

Since 72% of parents struggled with motivation and 58% said kids lose interest in chores, I introduced a loyalty loop that rewards consistency, not just one-time completion. Kids earn coins for approved chores, unlock badges at milestones, maintain streaks, and redeem rewards selected by parents.

Since 72% of parents struggled with motivation and 58% said kids lose interest in chores, I introduced a loyalty loop that rewards consistency, not just one-time completion. Kids earn coins for approved chores, unlock badges at milestones, maintain streaks, and redeem rewards selected by parents.

Card Sorts & Affinity Mapping

After collecting results, the next phase used card sorting and affinity mapping to understand how users approach chore management. This hands-on stage revealed user behaviors, expectations, and frustrations, surfacing key themes from survey and interview responses.

After collecting results, the next phase used card sorting and affinity mapping to understand how users approach chore management. This hands-on stage revealed user behaviors, expectations, and frustrations, surfacing key themes from survey and interview responses.

The process organized tasks, features, ideas, pain points, and user preferences into clear categories, enabling a more intuitive, family-centered app structure. It also highlighted emotional and practical routines families follow in assigning tasks and motivating children, guiding a design that is empathetic and easy to use.

The process organized tasks, features, ideas, pain points, and user preferences into clear categories, enabling a more intuitive, family-centered app structure. It also highlighted emotional and practical routines families follow in assigning tasks and motivating children, guiding a design that is empathetic and easy to use.

User: Personas, Task Flows, Journeys

Before the KidsConnect design phase, research expanded into spaces where parents, guardians, and educators share experiences, including parenting forums, digital education communities, and informal peer groups.

Before the KidsConnect design phase, research expanded into spaces where parents, guardians, and educators share experiences, including parenting forums, digital education communities, and informal peer groups.

By analyzing these conversations alongside survey and interview insights, a clearer picture emerged of real-world challenges in chore management. This user-centered approach led to personas representing various household dynamics and caregiver roles, which became the foundation for user journeys and task flows aligned with everyday routines, motivations, and constraints.

By analyzing these conversations alongside survey and interview insights, a clearer picture emerged of real-world challenges in chore management. This user-centered approach led to personas representing various household dynamics and caregiver roles, which became the foundation for user journeys and task flows aligned with everyday routines, motivations, and constraints.

The insights I gathered during my research helped me develop 5 personas (Parents & children):

Jordan & Sam Patel: "The Coordinated Couple"

Emily Carter: "Full-time working mom"

James Anderson: "The Organized Teacher"

Jordan & Sam Patel: "The Coordinated Couple"

Emily Carter: "Full-time working mom"

James Anderson: "The Organized Teacher"

Jordan & Sam Patel: "The Coordinated Couple"

Emily Carter: "Full-time working mom"

James Anderson: "The Organized Teacher"

Product Strategy

Advanced automation and AI features justify Plus, Family Pro, and Pro Plus subscriptions.

Exploration, Ideation: Low-fidelity Wireframes

In the exploration and ideation phase, I focused on core functionalities addressing user persona needs: task visibility, task tracking, child motivation (rewards), and ease of use for parents and teachers.

In the exploration and ideation phase, I focused on core functionalities addressing user persona needs: task visibility, task tracking, child motivation (rewards), and ease of use for parents and teachers.

User journeys were mapped to show how a parent assigns chores, how a child views and completes them, and how progress is tracked and rewarded. Core features include a shared family dashboard, customizable rewards, progress tracking, and age-based task suggestions.

User journeys were mapped to show how a parent assigns chores, how a child views and completes them, and how progress is tracked and rewarded. Core features include a shared family dashboard, customizable rewards, progress tracking, and age-based task suggestions.

Based on these needs, early sketches were refined into initial wireframes, forming the foundation for a simple, engaging, and adaptable chore management app for families.

Based on these needs, early sketches were refined into initial wireframes, forming the foundation for a simple, engaging, and adaptable chore management app for families.

In designing KidsConnect, the focus was on a feature where parents can view, assign, and track tasks. Each task has clear details, optional reminders, and customizable rewards to engage children. The interface uses familiar, intuitive patterns to keep the experience simple and accessible.

In designing KidsConnect, the focus was on a feature where parents can view, assign, and track tasks. Each task has clear details, optional reminders, and customizable rewards to engage children. The interface uses familiar, intuitive patterns to keep the experience simple and accessible.

User testing

I conducted a low-fidelity prototype usability test using Maze to evaluate the app’s early design and concept. Participants recorded their screens and thought aloud while completing tasks, then completed a post-test questionnaire with three opinion-scale questions rated 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

I conducted a low-fidelity prototype usability test using Maze to evaluate the app’s early design and concept. Participants recorded their screens and thought aloud while completing tasks, then completed a post-test questionnaire with three opinion-scale questions rated 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

The test included four key tasks, each with a guiding scenario. These tasks were designed to reveal issues or gaps in the initial design and identify areas for early improvement.

The test included four key tasks, each with a guiding scenario. These tasks were designed to reveal issues or gaps in the initial design and identify areas for early improvement.

Task 1: Assign a specific chore to a child..
Task 2: Add a new child profile and remove an existing one.
Task 3: Create a custom reward that can be linked to task completion.
Task 4: Send an alert for a task that is overdue.

Task 1: Assign a specific chore to a child..
Task 2: Add a new child profile and remove an existing one.
Task 3: Create a custom reward that can be linked to task completion.
Task 4: Send an alert for a task that is overdue.

This approach helped me gather valuable insights on the app’s prototype interface and functionality directly from the target audience, allowing me to identify and address usability issues early in the design process.

This approach helped me gather valuable insights on the app’s prototype interface and functionality directly from the target audience, allowing me to identify and address usability issues early in the design process.

Users asked for the manual calender to switch between days

Users requested an “alert child to complete chore” button.

Users requested an “alert child to complete chore” button.

Confusion while adding a child

Design

Design Systems

After completing the first usability test with the low-fidelity prototype, I refined the design by addressing the identified flaws. These improvements were incorporated into the high-fidelity prototype, resulting in a smoother and more functional user experience. After several iterations, I arrived at the final solution showcased below.

After completing the first usability test with the low-fidelity prototype, I refined the design by addressing the identified flaws. These improvements were incorporated into the high-fidelity prototype, resulting in a smoother and more functional user experience. After several iterations, I arrived at the final solution showcased below.

90%

Task success rate (parents assign tasks easily)

40% faster

Time saved assigning tasks vs. other apps

SUS 82

Users found KidsConnect usable, with minor inconsistencies

90%

Task success rate (parents assign tasks easily)

40% faster

Time saved assigning tasks vs. other apps

SUS 82

Users found KidsConnect usable, with minor inconsistencies

Retrospective

KidsConnect evolved from a basic chore tracker into a family- and classroom-friendly tool that fosters responsibility and motivation. Continuous user feedback addressed challenges like missed chores, uneven workloads, and declining reward engagement. Focusing on real user needs resulted in an app that is both functional for caregivers and empowering for children.

KidsConnect evolved from a basic chore tracker into a family- and classroom-friendly tool that fosters responsibility and motivation. Continuous user feedback addressed challenges like missed chores, uneven workloads, and declining reward engagement. Focusing on real user needs resulted in an app that is both functional for caregivers and empowering for children.

Minor inconsistencies remain, but overall, the iterative approach ensured a highly usable and supportive experience.

💬Resume-Sainath-Mailure.pdf

Always growing, always evolving, To be continued

💬Resume-Sainath-Mailure.pdf

Always growing, always evolving, To be continued

💬Resume-Sainath-Mailure.pdf

Always growing, always evolving, To be continued

KidsConnect

KidsConnect

KidsConnect helps parents assign chores, track progress, and motivate children through a parent-controlled rewards and loyalty system where kids earn coins, badges, streaks, and redeemable rewards.

KidsConnect helps parents assign chores, track progress, and motivate children through a parent-controlled rewards and loyalty system where kids earn coins, badges, streaks, and redeemable rewards.

“How might we help parents manage household chores while motivating children to complete tasks consistently through rewards, streaks, badges, and parent-approved redemption?”

“How might we help parents manage household chores while motivating children to complete tasks consistently through rewards, streaks, badges, and parent-approved redemption?”

My role

My role

My role

UX Designer, Researcher

Conducted user interviews, surveys, and usability tests to gather actionable insights from caregivers.

Planned and analyzed findings, and iterated designs to enhance the user experience.

Maintained clear documentation and facilitated team communication to align on goals and deliver user-centered solutions.

UX Designer, Researcher

Conducted user interviews, surveys, and usability tests to gather actionable insights from caregivers.

Planned and analyzed findings, and iterated designs to enhance the user experience.

Maintained clear documentation and facilitated team communication to align on goals and deliver user-centered solutions.

Duration: 11 Weeks

Duration: 11 Weeks

Project Background

Project Background

Project Background

Problem

Problem

Problem

There is a clear gap in the digital space for a simple app that helps families stay organized and keeps children involved in everyday tasks. Without the right tools, it becomes harder for families to build healthy routines and share responsibilities.

There is a clear gap in the digital space for a simple app that helps families stay organized and keeps children involved in everyday tasks. Without the right tools, it becomes harder for families to build healthy routines and share responsibilities.

1: No All-in-One Solution

1: No All-in-One Solution

Parents juggle multiple ways for tasks, tracking, and rewards or stop using them altogether.

2: Overcomplicated or Money-Focused

2: Overcomplicated or Money-Focused

Most apps rely on cash rewards or are too complex for daily family use.

3: Lack of Customization

3: Lack of Customization

Current tools don’t adapt to different parenting styles, age groups, or routines.

4: Low Engagement for Kids

4: Low Engagement for Kids

Apps lack fun and gamification, making them less motivating for children.

5: Weak reward follow-through

5: Weak reward follow-through

Bad follow-through for task completion, quality approval, coins, badges, and reward redemption.

Research: Competitive & SWOT Analyses

Research: Competitive & SWOT Analyses

Research: Competitive & SWOT Analyses

BusyKid

BusyKid

BusyKid

Strong chore-to-money connection. Less focus on non-monetary rewards, family routines, and fun motivation

Strong chore-to-money connection. Less focus on non-monetary rewards, family routines, and fun motivation

Greenlight

Greenlight

Greenlight

Strong financial learning and parental controls. Can feel too finance-heavy for younger children

Strong financial learning and parental controls. Can feel too finance-heavy for younger children

KidsConnect

KidsConnect

KidsConnect

Parent-controlled chores, coins, badges, streaks, and flexible rewards. Focuses on motivation, family engagement, and habit-building instead of only money

Parent-controlled chores, coins, badges, streaks, and flexible rewards. Focuses on motivation, family engagement, and habit-building instead of only money

User Reasearch

User Reasearch

User Reasearch

Insights gathered through direct feedback and virtual conversations revealed key needs, such as simple task setup, customizable non-financial rewards, and a clear, user-friendly interface.

Insights gathered through direct feedback and virtual conversations revealed key needs, such as simple task setup, customizable non-financial rewards, and a clear, user-friendly interface.

User Survey Takeaways

User Survey Takeaways

User Survey Takeaways

User Interview Takeaway

User Interview Takeaway

User Interview Takeaway

Interviews with six participants including parents, couples, and teachers revealed that most relied on verbal reminders or physical lists, with minimal use of digital tools. Key challenges included time constraints and inconsistent task management.

Interviews with six participants including parents, couples, and teachers revealed that most relied on verbal reminders or physical lists, with minimal use of digital tools. Key challenges included time constraints and inconsistent task management.

Participants emphasized the need for a simple, easy-to-use app with features like shared calendars, task reminders, gamification, voice-to-text, and affordability. These insights shaped the core design priorities for KidsConnect.

Participants emphasized the need for a simple, easy-to-use app with features like shared calendars, task reminders, gamification, voice-to-text, and affordability. These insights shaped the core design priorities for KidsConnect.

72%

72%

72%

Parents struggle to keep kids motivated

65%