Ava
Research in your ear
Problem
Knowledge has a price tag
Downloading a PDF from a research database triggers a massive paywall for any researcher outside an institution. Big name platforms in the research publishing industry hold a monopoly on journal access.
How might we break through research barriers and democratize academia?
Stats
$40
Average research paper cost
$1400
Average subscription cost
4.5%
Price increase since 2023
MY ROLE
Create a win-win
I worked with the Department of Ecology’s research team at the University of Lausanne for 6 months to turn their mission into reality: make research papers accessible to everyone. I was honored to be part this challenge, believing that restricted access to research is unfair and elitist.
Alongside a like-minded product strategist and product owner at the university, I spearheaded the UX side of the project, handling all research and design.
Tasks
Lead generative research
Conduct weekly sprints
Deliver MVP to university
DISCOVERY
Folks don’t have time to research
At first, I thought the solution was simple: offer the same research papers for much less on an accessible platform. But after conducting a competitive analysis and a round of interviews, I discovered that a paywall wasn’t the only problem: time was a big issue too.
Insights
20-50 hrs
Average time for full lit review
1-3 hrs
Average time to read a paper
200-300 wpm
Average reading speed
TESTING
Maximizing time + cost
To our surprise, every participant preferred listening to research papers to save time, finding audio more engaging and efficient. Responding to this feedback, we envisioned an app with a primary audio function.
For the mid-fidelity prototype, I focused on two essentials: a screen with queued audio files and a settings page with subscription options. After I designed the script and recruited 5 participants, I kicked off a round of testing.
Results
2/5
Questioned research cards
3/5
Wanted other subscriptions
4/5
Interested in using the app
FINAL DESIGN
Meet Ava
Ava's MVP showcased our approach to making research access a right instead of a privilege, tackling the paywall we sought to tear down. With an audio format, we gave researchers their much needed time back.
Impacts
$13,600
Annual savings with Ava
$113
Research paper cost saved
$12,000+
Awarded startup funds
REFLECTION
Lessons learned
Working with an academic team showed me that while research methods may overlap, academics often see the final paper as the end product. To shift that view, I framed Ava as a living experience that evolves, not a one-and-done report.
I lack a scientific background, but built strong relationships with the academic team. Moving forward together required patience and respect, proving that getting everyone aligned isn't easy, but worth it in the end.
The fight for research access doesn’t
happen overnight. Ava still has work to do.
Let's explore and create together
Made with a compass and a pot of Earl Grey by Ian Wright, 2025
