Series finder

Project Overview: Series Finder
Goal & Problem Solving:

I created the Series Finder to solve a common issue I noticed in my own life—deciding what series to watch after a long workday. The problem gets more complicated when multiple people in the family want to choose a show, but no one can agree. I wanted to build something that makes this decision process smoother, more enjoyable, and, most importantly, quick.

The result? A simple, interactive tool that asks users three quick questions and gives them three series recommendations based on their preferences.

Design Process

User Flow and Simplicity:

I approached the design with a clear goal in mind: simplicity and ease of use. Since people would likely be using this on their phones while relaxing, I needed the flow to be straightforward, with minimal effort required. I structured the questions so they were easy to understand, giving three clear choices that reflect different moods and tastes.

The decision-making process was inspired by adaptive learning principles in instructional design, where users get personalized content based on their inputs. I wanted it to feel intuitive—answer a few fun questions, and instantly get curated results.

ChatGPT Integration

For the series recommendations, I used ChatGPT to pull in data and generate results based on user inputs. I programmed the tool to process the user's selections and then dynamically serve up three tailored series that match their mood and preferences. Integrating GPT allowed me to give each user a unique experience, something that would feel highly relevant to their tastes.

Development

Built in Articulate Storyline:

I used Articulate Storyline to build the tool. Storyline allowed me to create a highly interactive and responsive experience while keeping it user-friendly. I made heavy use of its triggers and only 3 variable functions for the 3 questions, which are perfect for decision-based branching logic. The project included 32 slides and 351 layers to ensure the animations and 3 series recommendations worked smoothly.

It took me 15 hours from design to development, encompassing all steps of graphic design, data gathering, and the overall design and development process.

 
Each question and answer combo had a clear set of triggers that would direct users to the next stage, leading them to a final recommendation page where I displayed the 3 series suggestions. This helped me build a personalized, almost gamified experience where users feel like they’re actively involved in finding their next show. 

Challenges & Solutions

One of the bigger challenges was making sure the logic in Storyline was smooth and bug-free. With multiple pathways, it’s easy to get lost in triggers, but by testing and refining frequently, I made sure the flow was seamless. Another challenge was ensuring the mobile experience was flawless, especially since the tool relies on interaction. I tested this on various screen sizes to make sure it was truly responsive.

Instructional Design Application

This project gave me a chance to really apply instructional design principles in a different context—entertainment instead of learning. The tool uses decision-based learning methods, where users go through a process of choosing answers that shape their final outcome, much like how learners would work through an e-learning scenario.

Though the end result is a series recommendation rather than a learning objective, the core principles of user engagement, personalization, and adaptive content are at the heart of the tool.

Visual Design

For the visual side, I went with a clean, minimalistic interface. I kept the colors soft and the layout uncluttered, ensuring it was easy to navigate without overwhelming users. The typography was carefully chosen to be legible on small screens, and I placed emphasis on clear buttons and responsive design elements to make it work seamlessly on mobile.

I made sure the design focused on mobile-friendliness, given the likelihood that users would be on their phones, maybe even lounging on the couch. I designed with touchscreens in mind—bigger buttons, simple navigation, and no unnecessary text. I even tested it across multiple devices to ensure it scaled properly.

Key Takeaways

This project was a fun blend of creative problem-solving and technical skill. I learned a lot about combining instructional design methods with entertainment-based tools and refined my skills in both Articulate Storyline and interactive user experience design. I also enjoyed integrating AI (ChatGPT) into the tool, allowing me to explore how tech can drive personalized experiences.

I think this project showcases my ability to make something that is both useful and engaging, while applying principles of e-learning design in a totally different way.