Embedded Files
PROJECT GOALS
To evaluate the usability of the website.
To identify obstacles users encounter when searching for information.
To propose improvements to enhance the website's user experience.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What are the main usability issues of the website?
What specific obstacles do users face when trying to find resources on the website?
How can the website be improved to better serve its users?
METHOD
interviews
IMPACT
Presented key research findings and design suggestions
Provided site-specific recommendations
The Problem
The Design@UBalt page has outdated degree and course information and hasn’t undergone any design changes in at least a decade.
The University of Baltimore wants a fresh and interactive way for students to find more information about the design degrees and courses offered at the school.
Understanding The User
Students at UBalt are typically working adults between 28 - 35 years old looking for schooling that is affordable or easily financed ambitious and eager to accomplish their goals.
We identified 3 main user groups: Prospective Undergraduate, Prospective Graduate, Certificate
Amy
Prospective Undergraduate
Amy is a blossoming senior designer assistant who seeks to translate her passion for design into every space of her work. She has been practicing graphic design since 2008 and has a high school diploma with a certificate in graphic design. She worked in the same company for the past ten years and applied for different designer job positions multiple times.
Unfortunately, she was not qualified for the job due to her lack of diversity in her portfolio and education level. After speaking to her mentor, she decided it was best to obtain her Bachelor's degree and has now started searching for colleges that best suit her learning environment and budget.
Mel
Prospective Graduate
Mel is a recent college graduate who has been offered a new position at work. However, in order to qualify for the job she needs a Master’s degree related to Visual Design.
Her job has agreed to fund her education in exchange for her to continue working at the company. She works 9-5 so she needs the flexibility of online classes and evening/night classes.
Laura
Certificate student
Laura works full-time in a university library providing reference services to students and faculty. In order to advance her ability to improve her job, she would like to learn new skills.
Currently, she is looking for a UX design certificate because she can only take one or two courses at a time and finish the program quickly. It is possible for her to complete her coursework at night and on weekends.
Due to her job, she cannot attend morning classes. She is interested in learning user experience (UX) fundamentals and how to implement user-centered strategies on library websites.
Her goal is to create, manage, and sustain library websites and other services that provide excellent user experiences.
Heuristics
1
The information on the page is categorized well. It’s easy to see the different design degrees offered at UBalt.
2
The website only tells you the type of degree and degree name then links you out to the degree webpage.
3
Shows student work at the bottom of the page and highlights a past student’s quote.
4
Student work seems like it should be interactive but is not. The whole website has low interactivity and all information links off from the Design@ UBalt website.
Master of Arts in Integrated Design has no other information listed it just links out to the degree page
Student Creative Works Gallery seems as if it should be a carousel but are only stationary pictures
Prototype
Usability Study
Participant 1
44 Years old, Male
Less that $19,999
Costa Rica
Participant 2
25 years old, Female
$80,000 -$99,999
United Kingdom
Participant 3
25 years old, Male
$40,000 -$59,999
United States
Participant 4
33 Years old, Female
$20,000 -$39,999
United States
Participant 5
25 Years old, Male
Less that $19,999
India
Findings
Feedback
Drop down list text is spaced unevenly
Inconsistent formatting
The drop downs on the result pages can’t be minimized after opening
The inability to select two options at the same time in some questions
The design felt quite basic. i.e white background, rectangular text boxes
Confusion on if the results page was the result or asking more questions
Users Recommended
Improve the readability of the first question of the quiz. Move the word “IN” to the first line.
What Design field are you interested in
personally or professionally?
Include information on whether someone can still get accepted if they don't have a degree in design.
Include a live chat button on the quiz results page
Put the "Contact Us" at the bottom of the result page instead of the more information
Provide information about the differences between different fields of design
Recommendations
Simple Quizzes
With a simple quiz and/or self-assessment visitors can find and create a guide to future classes and interests.
QR Codes
QR Codes can give visitors PDF friendly degree and certificate information to download or print out.
Polls
Poll can provide visitors opinion and feedback on the website to keep designers updated on visitor’s concerns.
Video Gallery
A video gallery can inspire all visitors with current and alumni works of art.
Google Sites
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