Designing for Learning: Sean Oakes on UX/UI in EdTech

What does it really take to design digital learning tools that teachers trust and students actually want to use?

Recently, Backpack Interactive Founder Sean Oakes joined a talk at Columbia University focused on UX/UI in EdTech and the evolving relationship between product design, learning science, and classroom realities. 

The conversation explored a challenge we think about every day at Backpack: how to create educational products that feel intuitive, engaging, and meaningful for the people who rely on them.

The talk reflected on the tension many EdTech teams face between designing for engagement and designing for learning outcomes. Great learning experiences aren’t just visually polished or feature-rich. They’re grounded in user research, shaped by educator feedback, and designed with real classroom constraints in mind.

Throughout the discussion, Sean shared examples from Backpack’s work with schools, nonprofits, publishers, and mission-driven organizations to illustrate how thoughtful UX decisions can support everything from student motivation to teacher workflows. The talk also explores how product teams can:

• Design learning tools that reduce friction for educators
• Build more accessible and inclusive digital experiences
• Balance playful interaction with instructional rigor
• Use user research to guide feature prioritization
• Create products that support long-term engagement—not just short-term adoption
   

The conversation is especially relevant right now, as AI, personalized learning, and evolving classroom technology continue to reshape expectations for digital learning experiences. While the tools themselves may change quickly, the core questions remain the same: What do learners need? What do teachers need? And how can design help bridge the gap?

Whether you’re an EdTech founder, product owner, UX designer, curriculum leader, or simply curious about the future of digital learning, this talk offers a thoughtful look at the opportunities—and responsibilities—that come with designing for education.

Watch the full session below to hear Sean’s perspective on designing EdTech products that support real learning, strengthen engagement, and create better experiences for teachers and students alike.